Brant

After re-finding the Cackling Geese and American Coots at Runemede on Sunday, we had to decide where to go next. We were getting into the car to head to the Windsor Industrial Park, but at the last minute, we decided on a very quick check of Mill Pond. It turned out to be a good decision. As the pond came into sight, Ed noticed a small group of geese close to the shore, "Brant" he joked without even raising his glasses. This started a brief discussion of how Brant would be a nice find in this county and is almost over due. The topic quickly changed as we had to figure out how to deal with the snow bank in front of the parking lot entrance. In a moment of indecision, the car stopped in front of the open gate. At about the same time, we all noticed a duck like bird walking around in said parking lot. "Brant!" "Brant!" "Brant!" it was unanimous. After a moments pause, the car erupted in laughter. The irony was to much to contain. We had joked about an unlikely bird in an unlikely place, then moments later found it in an even more unlikely place. It was contently feeding at the forested edge of the parking lot. It was alone surrounded by oak leaves and snow, 200 feet from the water. An approaching car ruined the fun, and we had to drive past. After turning around, we jumped out, snapped a few pictures and continued to find the next exciting bird. I don't think any of us had laughed so hard in quite some time.