Sixteen birders braved the fog, wind, and chilly temperatures at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. We started the day with a mixed flock at the parking lot: Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Pine Warbler, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and a Brown Creeper. The first of several Bald Eagles was seen just as we were leaving.
Driving over the dam, we stopped to admire a Common Loon at close range. On the other side of the dam we spotted three more Common Loons, several Pied-billed Grebes, and a Horned Grebe. A Great Blue Heron surveyed the lake from atop a party barge, while an immature Bald Eagle soared high overhead.
At Caddo Point the wind made finding waterfowl among the waves a little difficult. Bufflehead, Gadwall, and more Pied-billed Grebes were seen riding the waves. The highlight was a Red-breasted Merganser very close to shore. Unfortunately it did not stick around long enough for everyone to get a good look. The only gull we saw was too far off to identify.
We also stopped by the boat ramp, which gave us a nice break from the wind. There we had a great look at two Horned Grebes and a few more Pied-billed Grebes. We ended the day with 25 species. –Dottie Boyles