Birds of a Feather: Waterfowl Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

lostnthestacks: The ducks have flown south for the Winter.

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Hidden : 8/21/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


This is my ninth in a series of caches dedicated to my two favorite hobbies. Geocaching and Birding. Both require you to go get out of the house and do some walking. While out geocaching I easily get distracted by birds that I encounter, but it makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Each of these caches are placed in an area where there is a heavy concentration of birds or a certain species of birds that I think people would enjoy learning more about and seeing first-handed. So if you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along with your pen for some close up views.

This cache is located in the Village Creek Drying Beds or as Dallas and Tarant County Birders call it VCDB. This place in general has a large variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey, and lots of seasonal migration birds. So if you have time to spare, drive around the beds and take a look. The beds posted hours are Mon-Fri 7AM-4:30PM and Sat-Sun 7:30-4:30. I do know that in the summer they keep the beds open for birders till sundown. I have been locked in here once on accident, but a quick call to the number listed on the sign and employees will come let you out. Also as a courtesy to other birders that might be there, if you approach a car with yours please don't go over 5mph. The birds are very skitish and you wouldn't want to ruin any birders day. This is a very low muggle zone, but there are wild animals such as feral hogs, bobcats, and snakes, so keep that in mind.

Since this cache is located where there is a large concentration of birds, I am dedicating this cache to 3 birds. The Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Lesser Scaup.

Northern Shoveler
Northern Shoveler
Perhaps the most outwardly distinctive of the dabbling ducks, the Northern Shoveler inhabits wetlands across much of North America. Its elongated, spoon-shaped bill has comblike projections along its edges, which filter out food from the water. Medium sized duck with a very long black bill that is wider at the tip than the base. The male has a iridescent green head, white chest, and rusty sides. The female is grayish-brown all over with the same trademark large bill but color on bill is lighter. If these guys are around in the water you will see them primarily with their bills dipped in the water while swimming trying to forage for food.

Lesser Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Two scaup species live in North America: the Greater Scaup prefers salt water and is found in America and Eurasia, while the Lesser Scaup prefers freshwater and is found only in North America. The Lesser Scaup is one of the most abundant and widespread of the diving ducks in North America. A medium-sized diving duck with a slight bump on the back of its head. The bill is blueish with a small black tip. Male has a black head, chest, and rear end, and gray sides (black on the ends and white in the middle).

American Wigeon
American Wigeon
The American Wigeon breeds in northwestern North America and is found throughout the rest of the continent in migration and in winter. Its small bill and the male's white forehead distinguish this species from other dabbling ducks. The male has a distinct white crown with a green face patch, with a black rear end that is bordered with white.

The road to get to this cache is not paved but dirt/gravel, but it is okay to drive on. I would be careful after heavy rains cause you could get stuck. I added a waypoint to park if you prefer to walk. You are looking for a cammo'd waterproof matchstick container.

Congratz to Craftyhillbilly3 for the FTF!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

grgurerq ybj

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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