Migration of the Franklin's Gull

                                                               Franklin's Gull, View 1

                                                               Franklin's Gull, View 2

                                                              Franklin's Gull, View 3

                                                           Juvenile Pied-billed Grebe

                                                            Double-crested Cormorant



103119

1335-1459/46-48 F (wind chill 43)/clear/W-8/54-50% RH/30.28-30.24 H and steady

It's always a joy to see the fall natives and migrants arrive during this time of year.  The frost is getting ready to be on the pumpkins first thing in the morning, likely within the next week.  In the meantime, we're enjoying Buffleheads, Ruddy Ducks, Pied-billed Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants, Franklin's Gulls, and more.  Here's to an eventful fall and plenty of apple cider and pumpkin pie to us all.

                                                                   Franklin's Gulls



110219

0827-0910/39-41 F/clear/calm/72-70% RH/30.33 Hg and rising

Thousands of Franklin's Gulls have been passing through Payne County and resting upon Boomer Lake, along with Pied-billed Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants, Northern Shovelers, Canvasbacks, and many others, though not to the same degree.

Today we saw 370 Franklin's Gulls and the first Dark-eyed Junco of the season on Boomer Lake, in a tree, no less.  It isn't cold enough yet for the snowbirds to be picking seeds off the ground, but that is just a matter of time.  Within the sunflower and grass stalks, there are also Song and Field Sparrows, so before long there will be more than a few seeking grass seeds.