PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEB HIRT: March 2015

Monday, March 30, 2015

Spring and Things Have Sprung

Blue-winged Teal Pair in Flight

Male Eastern Bluebird

Northern Cardinal

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Ditto, Overhead

Pied-billed Grebe

Red-winged Blackbird, First Year

Tufted Titmouse

American Robin

Mallard Drake

Female Northern Cardinal

Bell's Vireo Nest From Last Year

Female Eastern Bluebird

Male Eastern Bluebird

These are basically "Best of Show" over the past two days, both prime days for seeing some of
the finest birds of the current season. End of March denizens appear to be a week or two early,
depending inherently upon the weather fluctuations. Northern Cardinals and Eastern Bluebirds
are giving a strong species showing for the season.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

032915 SNP Edition, Life at Boomer Lake

http://www.stwnewspress.com/community/local_columnists/life-at-boomer-lake-seasons-change-and-so-do-birds/article_9e3b361c-d5a9-11e4-96d0-a3bdd65a3d31.html

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Stars of the South

Female Red-winged Blackbird

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Canada Goose

Male Red-winged Blackbird

Female Northern Shoveler

Male Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler Pair

Male Song Sparrow

Male Mallard(Drake)

Male Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Phoebe

0745-0920 hrs./44-45 degrees/15-20 mph wind/full sun

Even though the morning was cool due to the unsettled weather front that moved in yesterday, it was no deterrent for these birds to hold over at Boomer Lake. There were four Northern Shovelers, the first of the season for me at the lake. The Song Sparrow was with his mate near their nest site, belting out his "my territory" vocalization. Also proudly at attention was the male Eastern Bluebird, but if you look closely, you'll notice his deformed beak, which doesn't interfere with his getting plenty of sustenance. The Eastern Phoebe was first of season for me, and I also heard the Eastern Meadowlark, also first of season for me at the lake, in the field on the east side of Husband St. just north of Kicker.

Generally, there will be birds holding over in the area during inclement or unsettled weather, so that is an excellent time for birding. Happy birding!