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..