043020 The Migrant Balance Is In Check

042920                                                  Lincoln's Sparrow

                                                             Neotropic Cormorants

043020                                                       Forster's Tern

                                                                  Least Sandpiper

                                                      Female Yellow-headed Blackbird

                                                                Clay-colored Sparrow

                                                                  American Bullfrog


04-30-20

The Barn and Cliff Swallows have been building more nests under the Lakeview Rd. Bridge.  There were seven swallows observed today, and several more nests.  Some of the nests are the standard mud cup nests with grasses that are for Barn Swallows.  Cliff Swallows make nests that are also cup shaped, but they look like they are constructed with mud pellets and are not smooth structures.  Swallows can be found collecting their mud on the higher ground by Heron Cove and have all the grass removed from the ground, as well as mud puddles and along stream and river banks.  Since many of the banks on Boomer Lake have concrete, that's why the swallows here create their own source.

Yellow Warblers are arriving slowly, but numbers are increasing.  I listed seven today, but that was on the conservative side.  Today seemed like there were less Yellow-rumped Warblers, most of them hidden within tree leaves.

An Eastern Bluebird was on the short powerlines as writer rounded the bend enroute to Shorebird Jetty.  A lone Chimney Swift was overhead, my good luck sign for the day.

Our usual three Savannah Sparrows were found on Shorebird Jetty, as well as three Spotted Sandpipers.    A couple of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were discovered noisily hanging around the east side of the middle portion of the scrubs.  Toward the west side of the jetty, two Least Sandpipers held over from yesterday, and a female Yellow-headed Blackbird allowed photos in the same area.   The Forster's Tern that had been sitting on the west side snag by the southwest jetty became mobile, and the photo here was taken on the west side of the jetty.  Five Blue-winged Teal flew in from the north while I was in the area and parked themselves off the stretch where the Brown Thrasher nest was recently build on the west side of the bald cypress trees by the east side sidewalk.

A Baltimore Oriole was seen and heard in one of the trees along the sidewalk just south of the east side restrooms.  I haven't discovered a females yet, or she is silently in a nest, but both usually forage.  I think I saw a female Orchard Oriole in the large oak north of the restrooms.  They were only twenty feet from the water, so I thought they were coming to spend some time, but they didn't.  However, there were five Turkey Vultures riding the thermals skyward.  Western and Eastern Kingbirds paid tribute to their own business after that, with one Western Kingbird in a tree branch.  I double-checked just to make certain that it wasn't a Couch's (with the white border on both sides of the tail), but it wasn't.  These days, it is necessary to check with temperature anomalies.

More Yellow Warblers were found between Finch Corner and Memorial Jetty, as well as an Eastern Kingbird.

A group of four Clay-colored Sparrows were foraging on the scrub stretch across from Kicker, which is where the above photo was made.  Yellow Warblers, an Orchard Oriole and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were also seen here.

There was only one Neotropic Cormorant when I went by the usual snag off the northwest jetty, and there were five Blue-winged Teal off Goose Island.

There is still no sign of the male Bell's Vireo that has been settling the area south of the last Purple Martin House.  There are some at Couch Park, but ours are usually here at Boomer around now.  Disruption will force them to move on, so I am hoping for the best, even with the loss of the sixty foot tree that was across from the sheltered and treed area on the north Kicker field.  A new metal telephone poles took some habitat out of the area that was critical habitat.

Twenty-seven Purple Martins were on this side of the lake today, which tends to vary on a daily basis.  Peering north from the high point across from the north end of Goose Island, a Red-shouldered Hawk was sitting on a snag at Boomer Creek.  Down below in the marsh grass was a Common Yellowthroat male, though not the same one from the marsh woods up ahead.

The Marsh was a lot more productive than yesterday with Northern Cardinals, a Brown Thrasher, a couple of Swainson's Thrushes, Prothonotary and Yellow Warblers, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee (calling "drink your teaaaa!"  This bird has been heard here more than once and is likely waiting for the mulberries to ripen before it moves on.  Once nesting happens, it won't have many opportunities to get any of those and there may not be any where it nests north of here.  There was even a Savannah Sparrow in a small red cedar in these woods today, and a Great Crested Flycatcher also vocalized from the area, too.  There was also a White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a social Ruby-crowned Kinglet within the mostly riparian wooded region with second story trees and leaf litter in parts.  This is likely going to be ideal for the Kentucky Warbler and Ovenbird before much more time passes.

I startled the leopard frog from its perch in the creek and it grunted in exasperation, but gave me this shot for being in the right place at the right time.  Even though there is not break in the marsh grass, I heard a Virginia Rail, but was unable to see it.  That is not unusual though, as most rails are very secretive.  Oddly enough, there was a Clapper Rail in Texas that I encountered several years ago off High Island somewhere.  A tip was given to my birding pal that the rail met everyone in the dirt parking lot for potential snacks.  Imagine that!  I also got lucky with a King Rail maybe four years ago at Red Slough that would sit out in the open.  Some birds are so much more tolerant.

Today I only stayed for forty-five minutes or so and cut through the former construction area that still has what may be a generator for lighting to find my Northern Mockingbird for the day.  Fifty-eight species were listed for the day.

There were a conservative five Great Blue Herons for the day, but the two Green Herons were missing today as well as yesterday.  I even stood on the bank to see at least if I could hear them.  Nothing.  Hopefully, they are not pulling out of the area, too.

042820 Migrants Hiding Within the Trees and Leaf Litter

042620                                                      American Coot

                                                                  White-faced Ibis

                                                                  Swainson's Thrush

042720                                                        Franklin's Gull

042820                                                      Spotted Sandpiper

                                                                Clay-colored Sparrow

                                                                     Tufted Titmouse
                                                         

                                                               Common Yellowthroat
                                                              Southwestern Subspecies


Three Barn Swallows were sailing around under the Lakeview Road Bridge with the Bald Eagle off on a distant power pole.  The swallows circled around the water, then along the lowlands of the southeast corner of the lake.  Writer then scanned the short grass just in case there might be Buff-breasted Sandpipers coming in early.  Some of the grass is a little long, but they should be able to work with it.  Hopefully, they will come here for a much-wanted photo if the grass doesn't grow much more.

Writer swung around The Cove for Yellow-rumped and the sounds of Yellow Warbler, as well as Warbling Vireo.  Upon initial inspection, no Green Herons in sight, but there were Great-tailed Grackles and a couple of Red-winged Blackbirds.   Eyeing the water on the north side, there were two dozen Franklin's Gulls, one Great Blue Heron cast overhead in a southeast direction, while another was discovered on the north side of Heron Cove proper, as well as one Double-crested Cormorant.

The sound of a Nashville Warbler permeated the air, but the area around the bend heading north is very thick, mostly with the dreaded Bradford pear.  I have a solid fear that if they continue to be allowed to grow, they will choke out what few natives we have, and the migrants will pick and choose where they want to go.  Hopefully, we won't lose them in the future.

A female Yellow Warbler was discovered in the scrub before the Brown Thrasher's nesting area.  A tail was observed poking from the thrasher nest.  Passing the area, a male and female Yellow Warbler were observed going through the top branches and greenery in search of insects.  One Yellow-rumped Warbler was also discovered within the same area.

Shorebird Jetty hosted three Spotted Sandpipers, five Purple Martins within their plastic house, and European Starlings littered the ground around the house.  A couple of Red-winged Blackbirds were foraging just west of this area.  No additional birds of interest were seen beyond this area, save for a Savannah Sparrow, a lone American Coot, and a couple of House Sparrows.

Along the stretch between Shorebird and Memorial Jetties, another Yellow-rumped Warbler was heard, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen, and the sound of an Eastern Kingbird permeated the area, who was found atop the high wires.  American Robins assaulted the ground seeking worms, while starlings searched for insect fodder.  Three Western Kingbirds were enjoying their morning on the high wires.  The Purple Martins were out catching breakfast.

A couple of Mourning Doves were on Memorial Jetty, Mallards were enjoying the water, and a Spotted Sandpiper patrolled its area around the north side perimeter.  Social Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were in the large oak bordering the storm drain overflow ramp, attracting the three Western Kingbirds, and a Warbling Vireo announced its presence.  A male Orchard Oriole kept calling for "Marguerite," until he tired of that and moved north.  Three Clay-colored sparrows roved between the overflow, the bank, and the north side of the trees, while the Western Kingbirds relocated to the low wires on the east side across from Kicker.  A pair of Brown Thrashers tossed leaves while foraging along the bank, sometimes sharing space with the Clay-colored Sparrows.

What could have been another Nashville Warbler sounded out along the west side of the willows/cottonwoods, but that was all.  Most of the Purple Martins from the Kicker House returned from their foray to gather again and feed a female that is believed to be caring for eggs/young.  With the House Sparrows that reside there, at least one bird will have to remain at all times to avoid possible harm to the eggs/young.

Cardinals were observed throughout the walk, and they still continued to call as the journey progressed.  All trumpet vines remained unused, while the largest one by the Kicker martin house still shows no sign of flowering.

a single male Blue-winged Teal was discovered with a small group of Mallards along the northeast jetty, along with a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and a Yellow-rumped Warbler.  It appeared that our eleven Mallard Ducklings were shortchanged to eight, and a Canada Goose pair were herding three of their goslings, while a nearby Mallard drake flew off and landed in the water on the south side of the jetty.  Perhaps the young annoyed him.  Two American Coots lazily swam along the east shoreline.

A few Canada Geese and European Starlings were holding down the Kicker field, while a single Northern Mockingbird flew west from the small group of trees west of the protected zone surrounded by trees.  The mocker flashed into a small tree north of the ficus, then returned to the original group of trees.  I really hope that the Bell's Vireo that has been breeding here for years will return, even though the family was displaced by the addition of the new power poles.  Unfortunately some of the vireo's territory was removed with the construction.  The family moved just north of there into the scrub south of the northeast jetty.

High Point Ridge had very little scenery other than a few Double-crested Cormorants and Canada Geese swimming in the water.

Below the banks where the red cedars cluster, all was quiet, as well as the new road to the line of towering giant metal electrical poles, until we reached the woods.  An hour was spent observing and photographing the Southwestern subspecies of Common Yellowthroat and Tufted Titmouse.  The Pileated Woodpecker, Harris's Sparrow, and Red-bellied Woodpecker were seen and not heard, as was the Northern Flicker calling from afar.  The Carolina Chickadees reminded all of their presence, while a brave Swainson's Thrush let me hear its call for the first time.

Working around and back on the main trail, there was little activity, save for a single Northern Mockingbird and European Starlings.  Fifty-three species for the day was respectable enough.
   

042720 Migrants of Central Oklahoma and Resident Raptor

                                               

                                                       Yellow-headed Blackbird, View 2

                                                       Yellow-headed Blackbird, View 3

                                                           Cackling Goose, View 1

                                                   Canada (L) and Cackling Goose (R)

                                                                   Eastern Kingbird

                                                              Red-shouldered Hawk


Saturday, 042520 was another excellent birding day.  There is a possibility that there are three Green Herons at The Cove.  It is suspected that we're looking at the patriarch male and two females, both to be nesting in different trees.  The nest, if there is one or more, hasn't been established yet, as writer wishes to give the birds adequate space this early in the season.  One of the usual Northern Flickers was heard just below the berm east of there around the mulberry/Bradford pear tree cluster.

Several Spotted Sandpipers were observed on Shorebird Jetty.  South of the jetty, five Lesser Scaups were discovered and a few American Coots closer to the west side of Heron Cove.  On the west side of the jetty was a lone Yellow-headed Blackbird with a suspected wing and foot injury.  The area rehabilitator was contacted, but it was learned a short time later that the blackbird disappeared.  Possibly it was really well enough to fly or a predator took care of the situation, though none was observed while at location.  There are still two or three Savannah Sparrows connected to this area.

Two Orchard Orioles are still in the area (males) and one Baltimore Oriole has been in the large oak by the east side restrooms, as well as a pair of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers.  The other two Baltimore Orioles had relocated themselves at my residence and the next door neighbor's oak tree.  There are still two or three singing Warbling Vireos at Boomer Lake, along with another near writer's location.

A possible Richardson's Cackling x Canada Goose  was discovered on Memorial Jetty with what might be its Canada Goose mate.  It is possible that this might be the same individual that another birder had seen within the past several days.  Looking at the photo, the small bill and smaller stature is seen, but there is clearly a mix of Canada in there.

It has also been noticed that more than one pair of Canada Geese had nests on all three east side jetties.  It appears that all eggs are either dead or had been addled.  A Mallard may still be brooding eggs, but we did see a trail of eleven ducklings earlier in the week with some that could have easily been adopted.  I have not seen the family since that initial finding.

There were two Western Kingbirds across from the Kicker plant, as well as a pair of Mourning Doves and what may be a lone Eurasian Collared-Dove.  A pair used to nest in a small tree once near the large oak beside the restrooms, but that area has been cleaned up to allow the storm drain appropriate function.  A lone Eastern Kingbird, who has been vascillating around the northeast jetty, along with two more Scissor-tailed Flycatchers whose territory runs to the Kicker field, and two more Savannah Sparrows are temporarily residing there.  Many more birds felt comfortable at the marsh grass before the old rotten snag collapsed into several pieces.  A male Eastern Bluebird was found on the Boomer Lake side of Kicker this morning.  The Orchard Oriole has been patrolling that area as far as the large oak south of there.

We're still finding interesting things around Goose Island, like Northern Shovelers and Blue-winged Teal.  Cormorants are still roosting in the tree, mostly by the lilac on The Island.

The wooded area has still been providing many interesting species, including Yellow, Yellow-rumped, and Black-and-White Warblers, as well as Swainson's Thrush, Red and White-eyed Vireos, and even the Pileated Woodpecker stopped by from Boomer Creek for a short time.  The Clay-colored Sparrows were also close by with Harris's and Field Sparrows, and Carolina Chickadees.  There's likely still more in the area that haven't yet been discovered.  It is a nice treasure trove of bustling activity in the midst of migration.  A Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher was also heard, as well as an Eastern Phoebe out around the Kicker Field, along with an Eastern Meadowlark and Killdeer.

Since our American Kestrel has been attending to nesting and feeding duties, he has not been on the north end of the Kicker fence on the electrical lines.  When the youngster(s) fledge, he will return, possibly with his mate and the young until they are ready to depart for the season.

On the return trip, coming around the stretch bordering Kicker's north and approaching the west gates, a Red-shouldered Hawk blew past me, no more than seven feet away.  It was not overhead, it was directly in front of me.  It was so close, it could see the red shoulder patch and see the yellow nares, which determined that this was a first year bird.  It landed in a cottonwood tree, which was where this photo was made.  A nice end to a glorious birding day!

Too bad there was no Bald Eagle nor Osprey today.  They were getting to be a great habit.  Now I'm looking for their presence.  Many times the eagle is atop the new metal electrical poles just surveying its territory.  The Osprey was getting to be familiar, too, as it was found three or four days riding the air currents while it was peering into the lake looking for fish.  Both of these familiar denizens were missed.

Today gave us a respectable 64 species.

042620 Muskogee Edition, Birding Today

https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/lifestyles/birding-today-coastal-stewardship-critical-to-survival-of-beach-nesters/article_81ecaa73-d07f-564d-a93b-c7b258bdb01e.html

042620 SNP Edition, Life at Boomer Lake

https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/lifestyles/life-at-boomer-lake-spotting-some-rare-birds/article_e144eb6e-85b3-11ea-9879-aba37ea1cf73.html

042520 The Secrets of the Wood and Migrants Galore

042320                                                    Yellow-rumped Warbler

Cedar Apple Rust

                                                                      Yellow Warbler

                                                                   Painted Turtle

   042420                                               Neotropic Cormorant                                                    

                                                     
042320 and 042420 were outstanding birding days.  It started off at about sixty degrees after midnight and by 0700 hrs, we were raring to go on Friday the 24th, since it had rained all day Thursday until around 1800 hrs with a little more in the wee hours Friday.  Two Green Herons were on Heron Cove, which appeared to be a mated pair looking for a nest site in the center overhanging trees where they usually build the first nest.  We may be getting down to business shortly, since we recall that the herons moved out six weeks early last year due to extreme heat by June-early July on the west side of the Cove where the afternoon sun is strongest.

There were Pied-billed Grebes, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal, American Coots, and  Double-crested Cormorants all around the outskirts of the Heron Cove area on the main portion of Boomer Lake.  There were plenty of Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warblers all around the Cove, as there were normal resident birds and at least one out-of-the ordinary Bobolink for this area.  It was heard but remained hidden within the taller grass on the west end of The Cove.  It was refreshing to hear the cheerful and bubbly warbling on assorted pitches, but it was unfortunate that the bird did not avail itself for a photo.  That really would have been the feather in writer's cap, especially since the first bird didn't avail itself to me either back in 2017.

Responding toward Shorebird Jetty, there was what appeared to be a White-faced Ibis among American Coots, Northern Shovelers, and Blue-winged Teal.  Spotted Sandpipers were wafting around The Jetty, and eventually a Lesser Scaup was observed among a second raft of Blue-winged Teal, much larger than the diminutive ducks on the northwest side of the jetty.  Another birder was sneaking up on the ibis trying to get a positive identification and it flushed, heading south and off Boomer Lake.  Our Savannah Sparrow, which has been hanging its hat on this jetty for the past two weeks, continued to show itself.  There were also multiple waves totaling hundreds of Franklin's Gulls, while the three Bonaparte's Gulls hung tight at Boomer Lake Park.

Heading north, sparrows were apparent, including the Lincoln's, Chipping, and another Savannah Sparrow.  All over the east side of the lake, the Purple Martins were riding high capturing insects.  At least one female must be sitting on eggs!

Baltimore and Orchard Orioles are actively ringing in the spring, along with additional Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds, and a single Western Kingbird.  An Eastern Meadowlark was heard on the Kicker field.  Several young patches of trumpet vines are awaiting happy customers at choice locations.

Plenty of high breeding plumaged Double-crested Cormorants are roosting on the trees of Goose Island, as well as fishing in the nearby waters.  Every day the male's crests are getting longer.  The lone Neotropic Cormorant that was stationed on a snag between the northeastern jetty and Goose Island left the area over a week ago,  and on Friday there was another one possibly replace it.
Heading nearer Airport Road, a couple of first of year Yellow Warblers were madly feeding on insects, likely having just extricated themselves from dealing with yesterday's assorted thunderstorms and rain.

It started to get interesting around the former new metal power pole clear cut site where trees were removed last year to make room for added electrical connections.  For unusual nature there was a very young painted turtle and an odd orange fungus on a red cedar tree.

Within the now damp area along the small creek bed near Airport Road, numerous warblers were cavorting, including Yellow-rumped, more Yellow, and a Black-and-White Warbler.  Fully investigating this area, we came up with Louisiana Waterthrush, possibly additional Black-and-White Warblers, a Painted Bunting, and more Harris's Sparrows in the distance and what could be emulating the Hooded Warbler in the drier area near the taller marsh grasses, along with a Marsh Wren.  These additional birds were confirmed with a hosting Carolina Chickadee in the area of the columbines, while more Brown Thrashers went about their new nesting area.  Spending a good hour in this region, it truly paid off, including the Red-bellied Woodpecker sounding off across Airport Rd.

After over four hours of birding and 67 species for the day, writer was very pleased with the  fruitful adventure.   

042120 Here We Are At Migrant Central

   041920                                              Bonaparte's Gulls

   042020                                                      Orchard Oriole

First day at the lake.  Baltimore Orioles were right behind, one of which was here near my residence before this oriole.

    
  042120                                                   Blue-winged Teal

There was a total of eleven of these at Boomer this morning.

                                                                 Savannah Sparrow

There were three on Shorebird Jetty alone.  There were five or six spotted.

                                                                  Least Sandpiper

Two on Shorebird Jetty.  Migration is quite active active with a lot to offer today.

                                                            Yellow-headed Blackbird

Six were fueling up on Shorebird Jetty, while these three took their time.

                                                                    Lesser Scaup

Still coming through the area.  The scaup were not far off the point of Shorebird Jetty when they took to the air.  They preferred settling on the east side of the jetty and were much closer by choice.

                                                                 American Avocet

This group of 35 arrived shortly before 0800 and as is their habit they made around six passes over the lake.  They were flushed a few times, by both a Bald Eagle and an Osprey, which you'll see shortly.

                                                                   Lesser Scaup

As can be seen, their plumage is very striking.  They were only twelve feet from the shore.

                                                                 Mallard Ducklings
                                                                   First of the Year

This is the first group that we've observe this year, obviously some were adopted.  There were eleven.  Mother and father are not far.

                                                                Mallard Ducklings
                                                                        View 2

                                                                Grasshopper Sparrow

It was surprising to see this sparrow up in a cottonwood tree near the water, a typical riparian area.
It must have been desperate for a rest and sustenance.

                                                              Great Blue Heron (Rear)
                                                       Double-crested Cormorants (Front)

Writer considered this a striking pose, something not seen every day.  The Great Blue Heron is a second year individual.

                                                                         Osprey

Pretty close, eh?  This raptor was in the area the entire morning.  It was spotted on the return trip.

                                                                    Green Heron
                                                                  "The Patriarch"

Before we called it a day, it was in order to check The Cove to see if Green Heron was here yet.  It was not disappointing.  Also made a swing by to see if the Summer Tanager arrived, but not quite yet.
The mulberry bush near here has berries just starting that were pollinated over the past ten days or so.

Overall this was an excellent birding day with 56 species in a four hour day.

Jane Goodall: The Hope on National Geographic Channel 042220 at 9/8 Central

Don't say "no" to Jane Goodall.  Young people are our future and they have already started as activists.

Born Wild On National Geographic Channel 042220 at 8/7 Central

041920 Muskogee Edition, Birding Today

https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/lifestyles/birding-today-time-to-get-out-hummingbird-feeders/article_4101084a-8628-5dd1-ad7a-0b7eb0214ce1.html

041920 SNP Edition, Life at Boomer Lake

https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/life-at-boomer-lake-birds-waiting-for-cold-to-move-back-up-north/article_a7aa4722-804b-11ea-91d0-436c10e64b80.html

041820 Boomer Lake Migrants and Residents Make the Sky the Limit

                                                                   Savannah Sparrow

This bird has been living here for a few weeks now.  It is usually a lot shyer.

                                                                 American Robin

More nest material, most likely due to yesterday's windy weather.  A bird's work is never done.

                                                                  Lesser Yellowlegs

This shorebird has been here since yesterday's challenging weather, making several birds batten down the hatches. 

                                                                        Osprey

As can be seen, this individual was somewhat distant.  The sun's rays didn't help capturing it, either.

                                                               Savannah Sparrow #2

Note differences in coloration.

Today was a far cry from the front that came through yesterday.  It was quite a bit warmer and more
songbirds were in the open.  We shared time and space with two Common Loons first thing in the morning.  Sadly, they left with no goodbyes.  Soon discovered were three Blue-winged Teal, two males and a female.  Just south of Shorebird Jetty, three Pied-billed Grebes were lazily swimming, three more later discovered by Goose Island near three American Coots.  Sleeping in the sun were a pair of Northern Shovelers, the male's coloration being intensified by the lighting.  Wafting overhead, an Osprey proved the health of the lake.

Four Franklin's Gulls, three of which rested upon the southern part of the lake, while eight Spotted Sandpipers moved from one location to another in search of sustenance.  Three or four Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were heard before they were seen, then four Great Blue Herons flew off with a distinct purpose.  The Warbling Vireo called in the distance to remind us that spring is here.  One American Crow passed overhead with the sound of three Fish Crows denying its presence.  Nearly three dozen Barn and Cliff Swallows rose up near the Lakeview Road Bridge gobbling up insects until their bulging crops refused them more.  Harris's Sparrows crept along the ground near the sidewalk until they were flushed by by human presence, who completely ignored them.  The male Common Yellowthroat probed the leaf litter and stayed within the brambles near shore, while the Purple Martins remained astute for possible intruders. 

There were considerably less shorebirds and ducks that stayed and hunkered down until yesterday's storm system passed.  Hopefully they are winging their way near and far to mate and raise families, while we watch the Circle of Life begin once again..

041720 Fallout Hits Boomer Lake

041420                                              Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

This beauty is the Oklahoma state bird.  It is a neotropical migrant that spends our winters in balmy Central and South America.  When it is time to return the the US and builds its nests, it surprises us with some of the things that it builds with--cigarette filter papers, soft plastic sheathing, paper, cloth, and carpet fibers.  One can even observe this bird speeding by in a car with those bright colors and long tail.

041720                                                         Bald Eagle

There were two eagles at the lake this morning, a cold, windy and heavily cloudy day.  When the barometer was heading up since last night, it made sense that birds were going to be on visiting today.  That was an understatement.  The lake was filled with hundreds of birds, including Ruddy Ducks, rafts of Pied-billed Grebes, American Avocets,  Blue-winged Teal, and American Coots, just to name a handful.

                                                                American Avocets

When I began scanning the lake with binoculars, there was a lot there.  At first, it appeared that there were sixty of these birds, with a Bald Eagle sitting on Shorebird Jetty.  It surprised me that it was not a mobil raptor.  Perhaps it was awed by the sheer numbers of birds that it had a choice to dine upon.  A second eagle was over my head fifteen minutes later, the previous photo.  By the time the avocets were flushed (the eagles never even got near them), the counter in my head went off to show 85 birds, a definite species record at this lake.

                                                        American Avocets, View 2

This view of the avocets shows them right in front of me as they're winging their way across the lake, which was their sixth pass.  It was impossible to get all birds in one frame.

                                                                 Spotted Sandpiper

There were two Spotted Sandpipers that have been in the area since late March, unusual for that early in the season.  Once they have arrived, they'll not turn around to head south again, so they're making the best of it, even though they are not happy with the weather.  These sandpipers are easy to identify, as they bob when they walk, no matter what plumage they are wearing.

                                                                 Baird's Sandpiper

A lone Baird's Sandpiper was here several days ago, two of them near one another.

                                                             Baird's Sandpiper both ends,
                                                        Semipalmated Sandpaper in center

As I headed west on Shorebird Jetty, I counted seven, two of them here with a Semipalmated Sandpiper sandwiched in the center.  All of them were moving and will not all look at the camera.

There was also a Lesser Yellowlegs, another having been here last week.  A Willet had been in the area earlier, but I stationed myself at Heron Cove where I managed thirty species alone.

The Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits were found elsewhere this morning in Payne County.  We also entertain the Buff-breasted Sandpiper in the area, too.