I happened to be in the neighborhood of the Monticello wastewater treatment plant this evening at dusk. So, I took a quick stroll on the levee to see how the usual wader roost was doing in the cement-lined ponds there. This site is right on the Orleans-Jefferson Parish line, in very urban surroundings.
The roost was used by about 150 waders tonight, with a breakdown of something like 120 White Ibis, 20 Great Egrets, and 10 Snowy Egrets. The ibis were all adults. These were joined by five Anhinga. No Cattle Egrets, and only two Wood Ducks (usually there are a dozen or two Woodies that fly in for the night).
The biggest surprise was the paucity of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks. The last time I was here a few years ago there were hordes of "Squealers."
There were three Black-necked Stilts, one of which was very vocal as it flew around, acting like it might be attending young. There were ten or so Cliff Swallows, which as far as I can remember would be a new nester at this site (the species has been gradually colonizing the city from various directions).
The number of waders tonight was pretty low compared to some past counts I have had, but I suppose that some birds may still spending their nights at the nesting colonies.
This site always looks like it is ripe for something really unusual to show up- I need to keep checking it!
Good birding,
Peter
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