Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
053020 Migrants Are Still Northbound
053020 American Redstart
Double-crested Cormorant
Juvenile
Today was a little less productive than yesterday, BUT the highlight of the day was this late American Redstart, which I think is a first year male. The adults should already be on breeding territory, and the juveniles are last to go in the normal hierarchy. It is possible that it could be a female, but I don't believe so.
This Double-crested Cormorant is a juvenile and is still molting into its adult plumage. I have never seen the plumage in this state of dress before so felt that a photo was in order.
Monday, May 25, 2020
052520 The Rain in Oklahoma Doesn't Always Fall On the Plain
052320 Female Baltimore Oriole
and Nest Under Branch (R)
052320 This Baltimore Oriole nest has been repaired every other year and used every other year. It has been in that location since at least 2013. I know this, as I looked up the photo from the same area. Orioles are one of the best nest fabricators for strength and longevity. Amazing, is it not?
052420 Great-tailed Grackle
We still have the Ruddy Duck visiting with us. It is already a late migrant. I wonder if the species will be gone by June 1?
Ruddy Ducks, Late Migrants
Female Purple Martin
Gathering Nest Material
052520
Alder Flycatcher
Neotropic Cormorant
052520 Another cloudy day and weather.com tells me that the rain is holding off until 1230. Hopefully writer will not be rained upon like happened yesterday. Fat chance, pretty much the same area, too.
Approaching the top of the berm, one of the first things witnessed are two Green Herons heading south and a third bird out of view, but vocal. Swallows are everywhere after insects, and seem to be catching them, too. There are plenty of Canada Geese out again, just like yesterday, which tells me it will be raining again. Great Blue Herons are winging their way across the lake and are also actively in pursuit of fish for breakfast. It is also another active fishing day for the general populace.
A Northern Flicker is heard, and eventually seen in another twenty minutes atop a telephone pole. Two Warbling Vireos are sounding off, American Robins are seeking food beside a pair of Brown Thrashers, who no doubt have young. The European Starling population is growing on a daily basis, more young than adults. Purple Martins have been active for the past couple of days, capturing their own insects with plenty more left to go around. A pair of Eastern Kingbirds are savoring theirs, as well, but we're missing the Ruddy Ducks out on the water. Are they finally gone?
A Blue Jay is calling in the distance, and as always, our nomadic Cedar Waxwings are seeking those sweet mulberries. This is the first year that we've had so many trees and bushes, and if they were as common as the Bradford pear, we'd be doing well. I think the pear has a disease going around, as the leaves seem to be browning up.
Orchard and Baltimore Orioles are a-plenty. It's actually amusing, as there was a time when the Orchard Oriole would not leave Boomer Creek. Now there are more of them than the Baltimore Oriole. They are being fruitful and prospering in more way than one. Western Kingbirds are doing the same, and I still look for the Couch's to turn up. It will eventually transpire. We have more Mallard ducklings, and more Canada Geese than I thought we'd have with the addlers having been here over a month ago.
Two Spotted Sandpipers are on Shorebird Jetty, and the martin population is still working on nests and nest repair. Looks like it is time for another clutch's eggs. It is getting harder to spot Yellow Warblers, who could well be on their way northbound. The Great Crested Flycatcher was back out and it appears that they have young, which I thought was possible since I saw mom with a brood patch several days earlier.
Bell's Vireo was silent across from Kicker, but there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the same area, AND the highlight of the day was a fairly decent shot of an Alder "free beer!" Flycatcher. I've been trying to get a photo of one for years without it being questionable. Yes! The rain can come at any time, because that photo made it all worthwhile. And it started slowly.
The final agenda was a Neotropic Cormorant, another nice way to end the birding, even though this is the year where it is most common at the snag between Goose Island and the northeast jetty
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Friday, May 22, 2020
052220 Post-Rain Comes, More Good Birds
052120 American Robin in Nest
A couple of Ruddy Ducks were seen upon distant water at Boomer Lake in the morning, late birds for the season. We may have seen our last four Spotted Sandpipers. My figure of 145 Cedar Waxwings was conservative, there were likely more. There were chances for an impending storm later in the day, and if that occurs, we can expect good birds on the morrow.
052220 Eastern Meadowlark
Franklin's Gull
Willet
Neotropic Cormorant
Juvenile Hooded Merganser
052220
There was an early morning rain/thunderstorm with wind gusts between 26 and 44 mph between 0553-0753, and we received 0.83" of precipitation. The strongest winds were west and south of Stillwater, which were even worse with straightline storms some of which prompted winds up to 81 mph and wreaked a lot of devastation in several locales.
However, much of Payne county experienced very good birding, as birds are generally down before a storm unless they are within the wrong cell at the wrong time. With this time period and migration waning, we were still going to get a drop before the storm. When the storm was over, most birders were out, writer included.
We noticed more Canada Geese than usual that were either on Boomer Lake or upon the property, along with some downed trees, limbs, and branches. The downed tree that was noticed on the east side was a deciduous tree that came out of the ground at water's edge, due to extreme saturation.
The nests on Heron Cove seemed to be intact and everything was normal, save for the above notation. Females usually spend the night on their nests and are relieved in the morning.
Meridian had a response early and there was a Whimbrel, female Hooded Merganser, Baird's, White-rumped and Spotted Sandpipers, and a Least Tern.
First unusual item noticed on Boomer Lake was a notable Least Tern and a Ruddy Duck, a late bird for the season. Another birder was already at Shorebird Jetty to count several Franklin's Gulls, two Willow Flycatchers, and a Willet. There were no Spotted Sandpipers located, yet only one Cedar Waxwing.
There was also an Eastern Meadowlark, Least Flycatchers, and Yellow Warblers.
Continuing on, Turkey Vultures were riding thermals, as were Mississippi Kites. We also encountered a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a couple of Great Crested Flycatchers, and a juvenile Hooded Merganser. The merganser came close enough to permit a nice photograph, but the nearby Pied-billed Grebe noticed writer's location, whereas the young merganser did not.
Nothing else was noteworthy at Boomer Lake. Throughout the morning, many other locations were checked throughout the county.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
052120 Boomer Lake, a Good Hotspot for Many Resident and Migrant Species
051920 Female Purple Martin
Carolina Chickadee
Male Orchard Oriole
052020 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Female Purple Martin
Gathering Nesting Material
052020
This was a 42 species day, which is good, since spring migration is stating to wind down to some degree. I say this because I believe that there is going to be a little migration extension, as songbird migrants don't have to be in that much of a hurry with warmer weather staying around a little longer, unless they breed in the extreme north.
The Green Herons are still on Heron Cove, which is a little overgrown, allowing the birds more privacy. One was heard, but it's better that we not get too close as they need to retain their wild bird status. Writer was getting into their DNA, and they were comfortable with my presence last year, which is not something that is needed to continue. I nonchalantly look at the area without going on the bank. With cover, when the young are stretching their wings and foraging, I might watch them a little more closely.
There are breeding birds at The Cove, which includes American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Great-tailed Grackle, Purple Martin, Warbling Vireo, and Brown Thrasher. This is good news, as the area contains too many Bradford pear trees, which are only good for cover. Birds are not able to forage within them, since they don't have any attraction for native insects.
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are below the berm, as are plenty of Cliff Swallows searching for insects to fuel their youngsters. Plenty of Cedar Waxwings are hanging off all available mulberry trees and bushes, as are European Starlings, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, American Starlings, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and the occasional Western Flycatchers. The Bell's Vireo is questionable as to whether or not it is staying long term this year. It may have left the area.
Carolina Chickadees, Eastern Bluebird, Yellow Warblers, Northern Mockingbird, Least Flycatcher, and reclusive Gray Catbird are found within the deciduous trees across from Lakehurst Drive area.
An interesting assortment of aviary delights have been frequenting the Bald Cypress Row vicinity, including at least one Great Crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbirds, Least Flycatcher, Yellow Warblers, Carolina Wren, and a Bright Eastern Bell's Vireo was photographed for the short time that it was present. Empidonax flycatchers also tend to favor the habitat as well.
Shorebird Jetty usually bears watching for the swallows, songbirds, and shorebirds that tend to stop over for purposes of foraging and rest all year long.
Other fruitful magnets for migrants include both north and south of Memorial jetty area, as mulberries were strategically planted by birds, many of which have been avidly fruiting this year. The large oak north of the restrooms hosts many species due to the trees insect attraction.
Many other semi-resident and passage migrants enjoy the small cottonwood/deciduous grove across from Kicker, which is also providing habitat for a Bell's Vireo couple. If you're lucky, you might see at least one of them.
The outskirts of the northeast jetty is home to more mulberries and good marsh grass, where sparrows tend to congregate during winter and spring. The Kicker (Stillwater Designs) property is well-kept all year but the native trees also attract many birds. If you'd like to bird it, gain permission first.
Boomer Lake Proper hosts many ducks, including such less often seen species like scoters, Great White-fronted Geese, and Common Yellow-eye during the winter. The colder it is, the better are the spoils.
There are several other less visited areas on Boomer Lake that have excellent habitat for other less often seen birds like Purple Finch, Swainson's Thrush, Pine Siskin, Wilson's Warbler, Grasshopper Sparrow and other less often seen species. Search the area on your own and see what you can find. We still find birds that have never been seen there before.
Monday, May 18, 2020
051820 Immature Birds of Boomer and Summer Neotropical Residents
051720 Male Orchard Oriole
Eastern Kingbird
This was an average day with a little over two miles covered, about as far as the rest area. The most noteworthy item was the Bald Eagle. Three Eastern and five Western Kingbirds were counted, as well as the Bell's Vireo around the Cove. Winds were from the NNW at 14 mph and the forty-two Cedar Waxwings were picking mulberries like fiends. There are several more trees and bushes producing fruit this year, feeding more birds than last year. One Green Heron was counted, just passing and eyeballing The Cove with no real time spent trying to find Green Heron nests. One immature American Robin was found in a bald cypress, and all the common birds are nesting.
It was ironic that the Eastern and Western Kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (all flycatchers) were actually not perching far from one another. They are behaving like non-breeders at this point, like they would be on their wintering grounds. If they had eggs and young, they would not be this social!
Immature American Robin
Traill's Flycatcher #1
Traill's Flycatcher #3
Yellow Warbler
Double-crested Cormorant
Female Orchard Oriole
Great Crested Flycatcher
Immature American Robin #2
Today started off very well, a little cooler than the day before, winds from the north at 8 mph with a flat barometer. Expecting to see activity, I was not disappointed. A pair of Eastern Kingbirds were found at Heron Cove, along with a few Yellow Warblers, a couple of Barn Swallows were moving through the area, and there were a handful of Cliff Swallows. Looking at the side of the Lakeview Road Bridge, there were few mud nests, which is unusual. No Green Herons were seen or heard today. On the return trip home, writer even went to the waters edge, but saw none of the Green Herons.
Cedar Waxwings mostly picked all ripe mulberries, but there were a forgotten few that immature American Robins ate. Usually they are on a strict protein diet, but the three that I have seen are well flighted, and at least two birds (one above) are losing their juvenal plumage. This bird is a good five weeks old.
There are still several Least Flycatchers still with us, as well as three Black Terns that were found well before 0700. Four Turkey Vultures were riding early thermals, and both European Starlings and Great-tailed Grackles have young that are successfully making their way in the world foraging for their own food. Five Fish Crows had their morning meeting, splitting into two groups. Both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles have been represented in their new trees. The Baltimore Oriole used to nest in the large oak by the east restrooms, but now it appears that the Orchard Orioles are there now, and one pair of Western Kingbirds are possibly not going to nest on a wooden telephone pole this year.
Today we had four Bell's Vireos! One at Heron Cove, a pair just north of the culvert drainoff to Boomer Lake across from the Kicker offices. These two were performing the chase ritual, and the historic male (who could also be paired, as he is usually the first to be as well as the eldest with the best territory). There is a bit of a story with that. Last year the tall metal power poles were put in, which destroyed some of the original territory. This pair then moved over to west of the Kicker offices. The assumption is that the original pair returned to the main territory, while the young male returned to to his birthplace and just found himself a mate and is now courting her.
Also within this active area today was a traditional Warbling Vireo pair, a pair of Common Yellowthroats with a very active female today, multiple Yellow Warblers, a late Yellow-rumped Warbler, and a Least Flycatcher. I believe there was another flycatcher in the top of the cottonwoods, but he didn't call and my view wasn't good enough to be able to get a halfway decent glance. Therefore, I was unable to count an assumption.
A trip was also made to the wooded area north of Airport Road. No Swainson's Thrushes were found, but a late Eastern Towhee was sounding off, though unseen. There were also Northern Cardinals, Yellow Warblers, Great-tailed Grackles, and European Starlings in the wood, as well as a Mallard Drake. It was pretty quiet out there this morning.
Flycatchers can be so confusing, especially if they don't vocalize. Today there are three photos posted as I wasn't sure which flycatcher I had and it was necessary to get shots from as many angles as possible to try to determine what the bird was. It was either a Willow or an Alder Flycatcher, which are both in this area now. It was last year (I think) that I photographed the willow, which was south of this location at the beginning of this two acre land plot. It made sense. This year, I finally was able to capture the Traill's, which is what both species were once called, until they were renamed Willow and Alder Flycatchers. As of now, I'm still trying to get a photograph of the Alder Flycatcher, which will happen sooner or later. Unless these species vocalize, it is impossible to determine what they are.
On the return trip, there was a nice male Double-crested Cormorant with his crests that was photographed.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Saturday, May 16, 2020
051620 Storms to Yard Birds and Back Again
051420 Great Blue Heron
Shortly after writer was on the lake, it began raining to some degree, forcing me to believe that this would be a fast trip. The roiling clouds showed unsettled weather but it wasn't supposed to rain for an hour. Figuring that either the birds just arrived and came down or they did the night before, chances were good that there would be a few things on the lake. Not really so, other than several Snowy Egrets flying in the direction of the wind, away from the storm. Even Shorebird Jetty showed little for birds. The jetty was also very windy, beginning S-18, finally gusting to 31 mph. Batten down the hatches.
This Great Blue Heron landed upon Shorebird jetty while wind and rain were part of the general atmosphere. I observed the bird in what appeared like slow motion. Its wings were outstretched to keep if from being thrust into the forward-facing wind and it bounced as it came down. It was also at a run, rapidly slowing down to keep from going into the high water that was nearly lapping at the shores of the jetty, nearly cresting the land.
Several minutes of this and a northbound flying Great Egret made me wonder if we might not be soon heading for Kansas, but we remained safe. Needless to say, when the clouds parted, it was best to head back to base. The rain never stopped, even with the partly cloudy weather after the front went through.
051520 Least Flycatcher
It was not raining (yet), but it was warm and humid. Birding was better. Having found seven Franklin's Gulls upon the water, it was impossible to get good shots due to the darkness. A Bell's Vireo was heard north of where there was an adult last year prior to fireworks, yet it slowly made its way closer to The Cove, singing all the way. An American Redstart was briefly spotted and heard in the run of trees south of Bald Cypress Row. There were more birds there, but I was unable to hear or see any more. Swainson's Thrush was in the southern line of trees west of Bald Cypress Row in song, the tremolo effect just like the Veery and Song Thrush. The bird has a well developed syrinx, which makes its dual song similar to the double sound of a twelve string guitar. It sounds almost ethereal with the quality of reverberation. Since Swainson's had been in the area for the past two weeks, my curiosity had been piqued to hear its song, which finally happened for the first time today. It was worth waiting for. Also located was a male Common Yellowthroat and over two hundred Cedar Waxwings were heard in two hours. All they cared about was stripping mulberry bushes and trees of the ripe fruit, then they wafted away in song to seek more.
051620
Slightly cooler, mostly cloudy and a little rain opened the day at Boomer Lake. There was a high count of three Barn Swallows and six Cliff Swallows around the Lakeview Road Bridge. Three Carolina Chickadees, one parent and two immatures, were found on the north end of Heron Cove in the line of trees off the water at the bottom of the hill midway between The Cove and Shorebird Jetty, as was a Least Flycatcher. A female robin was coaxing her older immature down a Bald Cypress. There were five Spotted Sandpipers, a northbound Great Egret, a total of four Green Herons, one at The Cove and three more that may have come from Boomer Creek. Two out of the three soon returned north. Two Bell's Vireos were found, one just shy of Heron Cove and the other in the deciduous trees between the northeast jetty and Goose Island. Three male Eastern Bluebirds were hawking insects from the power lines while four or five Western Kingbirds filled the skies with boisterous activity. A conservative three dozen Cedar Waxwings were in search of breakfast all over the lake, likely many more. A male and female Orchard Oriole lay claim to separate territories, while a dozen Yellow Warblers filled the air with song, and a Turkey Vulture rode thermals alone.
051620 Immature Barred Owl
Tufted Titmouse
These above beauties were obtained through an invitation. An area resident though of writer today and wanted to share the immature Barred Owl, since I had never seen one. It was a wonderful afternoon as a result. The titmouse was a bonus, as were several other birds that I didn't photograph.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
051320 Yesterday's Rain and Clouds Yielded Good Finds
Cliff Swallow
Bell's Vireo
Bright Eastern Subspecies
051220
Birding was done in two segments yesterday, as the weather began as very inclement. It stayed mostly cloudy the entire day, but between 0740-0819 when out the first time, the wind chill was 43 degrees and it was either drizzle or light rain. We began and ended the morning at Heron Cove with four Pied-billed Grebes, one Black Tern, Spotted Sandpipers, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Herons, a southbound Great Egret, a couple of Downy Woodpeckers, Least Flycatcher, Fish Crow, f Purple Martins, a handful of American Robins, Cedar Waxwing, several European Starlings, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Great-tailed Grackles, nine Yellow Warblers, and a couple of Northern Cardinals.
23 species were observed in 39 minutes.
The return trip was made shortly after 1400, when the above shots were taken. There were more Black Terns, one of which was shot at Shorebird Jetty. A couple of Forster's Terns were found off the southwest jetty on a snag in the water. There were several Spotted and Least Sandpipers as well as a dozen Cliff Swallows, one perched on a snag north of The Jetty by Finch Corner.
We also located Eurasian Collared-Doves, Mourning Doves, a Red-shouldered Hawk being dive bombed by Great-tailed Grackles, as well as a Gray Catbird, Carolina Wren, and Brown-headed Cowbird.
The Bell's Vireo was found on the west side of Bald Cypress Row, south of Shorebird Jetty, as was the Great Crested Flycatcher.
Further along, we encountered a Western Kingbird, Northern Flicker, more Yellow Warblers, and off the last eastern jetty just prior to Goose Island were thirty Blue-winged Teal, three Northern Shovelers, and two American Coots.
The afternoon trip gave up 43 species in 2 1/2 hours.
Monday, May 11, 2020
051120 Songbirds and Shorebirds Make a Splash in Central Oklahoma
051020 Pectoral Sandpiper
It was a chilly day but birding was good as it usually is during hard weather. Migrants are still passing through and songbirds and shorebirds are making themselves available for eBird counts. There have been at least two separate migrations for older and younger birds that were very apparent, especially with the Clay-colored Sparrow, both northern US and boreal forest breeders.
We have likely seen more shorebirds this year than last, even though we had more serious flooding last year. Birds have been traveling between raindrops, and it has not hurt shorebird travel, even though some are migrating a little later. Winter has been lasting a little longer in the northern regions, while in the south we didn't have much of a winter. We were still getting insects in January, which is generally the coldest month, and trees still saw some growth. The central north, middle atlantic, and northeast just saw snow within the past 24-48 hours.
If songbirds and shorebirds bide their time, it shouldn't hurt them too much, as it is necessary for many of them to feed their young insects. If they don't plan properly they could miss breeding if miscalculations occur, but they could also have more time to breed in the later summer and early fall. Many birds did this last year, which accounts for some of the late migratory movement, since the first year birds needed extra time to ready themselves due to their age.
This means that we must be especially vigilant when it comes to having lights out overnight for what appears to be an extended spring migration. Light pollution makes it more difficult for birds to concentrate on the normal migratory perils without adding other things to the equation. They don't need reflections of grass and trees in glass to give them a false sense of hope that clear land is ahead. Please remind businesses that we must help our birds and insects help us between April and June 1.
051120 Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Last night we received 0.07" of rain which was enough to have some birds take to the land for the night. According to the forecast, we could be getting more rain, and that only means that we could be seeing new migrants again tomorrow.
Birders have been recording numerous songbirds, which include vireos, flycatchers, warblers, grosbeaks, and more. In Oklahoma, we've been seeing many rarities and birds that we only see every several years. Even the irruptive birds over the years have been spending more time in the south. However, there is a definite method to what the Cedar Waxwings are doing. They know where every winter fruit tree and every mulberry tree and bush are located in the region. They are late breeders and should be on their way north no later than June 4. If they stay longer, they could be considering breeding here in the future.
Did anyone notice that this is a cooler spring this year? El Nino affected the oceans a little last year, so this year, we pay for that. Most likely the only ones that were really overjoyed with those warmer oceans were the birders that were in the Boreal Forest, Alaska, and the High Boreal Forest last year. They really saw some outstanding irruptives.
Now that Central Oklahoma was hit hard with warblers, Bobolinks, and other birds, more birders had the opportunity to see many more treats that they usually don't get to see. Yesterday and today we had many more Yellow Warblers than usual, MacGillivray's Warbler of the west was here a couple of weeks ago, the Blackpoll Warbler has had more birds avail themselves to us, and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak was a little more "common."
What shall we hear about next? Let me know, and I'll get the word out! Keep your eyes on the ground and your head in the clouds. Happy birding!
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Saturday, May 9, 2020
050920 Boomer Lake Thunderstorm and May Cold Snap 2020
050520 Spotted Sandpiper
Cedar Waxwing
050620 Swainson's Thrush
Western Kingbird
050820 Opossum
Double-crested Cormorant (R)
Neotropic Cormorant (L)
Migrants are still coming through the area, especially with the last early morning thunderstorm on Friday, May 8. Temperatures never went over 59 F, the barometer was rising at 30.05 and the winds were N-18 - NNW-15 between 0709 and 0818 hrs. Mesonet data recorded 1.13" on rain in Stillwater at the airport. Birding numbers were excellent throughout the day.
Couch Park at first light shared Wood Ducks, the Cooper's and Red-shouldered Hawk, Mississippi Kite, a Red-bellied and Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Pewee, Least, Traill's, and Great Crested Flycatcher, Warbling, Blue-headed, and Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American and Fish Crow, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Carolina and House Wrens, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson's Thrushes, American Robins, American Goldfinch, several Chipping Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Northern Parulas, Ovenbird, Yellow, Tennessee, Nashville, and Blackpoll Warblers, Summer Tanager, and Northern Cardinals.
Boomer Lake Park counted the usuals plus Cliff, Barn, and a lone Bank Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe, Neotropic Cormorants, Cooper's Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Bell's Vireo, Common Yellowthroat and a Blackpoll Warbler.
The OSU Cross Country Course added Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrel, Willow Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, Clay-colored, Lark, White-crowned, and Harris's Sparrows, Blue Grosbeak, Painted Bunting, and Dickcissels.
Meridian Tech provided Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Golden-Plover, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Baird's, Pectoral, Semi-palmated and Least Sandpipers, and Black Tern.
Lake Carl Blackwell observations included Franklin's Gulls, Forster's Terns, large numbers of Black Terns, Merlin, Field Sparrow, Black-and-White, Orange-crowned, Kentucky, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, and Indigo Bunting.
Sanborn Lake tallied Bewick's Wrens.
Teal Ridge had Great Egrets and Lincoln's Sparrow.
Hoyt Grove Park added Great Horned Howl, Hammond's Flycatcher (Nice find! Reminds me of the coniferous forests of AZ. Must have been very breezy.), Philadelphia Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Finch, and Pine Siskin.
The morning of May 9 ushered in a northern cold front. Much of the north managed a few inches of snow during this same period. Boomer Lake still has the Northern Waterthrush holding over, which it has been for several days knowing full well that the weather in the north was not in its best interests. An Eastern Towhee and American Redstart also stayed in the arms of The South, and our ubiquitous Cedar Waxwings are still dining upon every wild mulberry that they can come within ten miles for. They will continue to gain weight for the next month, if they decide to finally move to their northern breeding grounds or stay here.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
050520 Cinco de Mayo By the Migrants
050220 Male First Summer Orchard Oriole
American Bullfrog
050420 Neotropic Cormorants
Carolina Chickadee
View 1
Carolina Chickadee
View 2
Carolina Chickadee
View 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
050420
There was plenty of activity today with plenty of Yellow Warblers, Savannah Sparrows, an Eastern Phoebe, Spotted Sandpipers, a Forster's Tern, and our lone Least Sandpiper. Cedar Waxwings were all over the area eating mulberries on the south and central part of Boomer Lake, while the White-winged Dove came out of its neighborhood to perch upon the new high wires. We even had more Cliff Swallows than Barn Swallows, and they gave great views at the end of Shorebird Jetty.
We've moved up to at least two Least Flycatchers, are up to three Eastern Kingbirds, and five Western Kingbirds. Two Neotropic Cormorants were on their normal snag off Goose island sunning themselves.
There are two Mallard families, and more than enough going on where there are ripe mulberries, which means that the migrant fruit eaters are getting their fills. That also means that raptors like the Red-shouldered Hawk that was out today is finding numbers of songbirds to attempt to prey upon.
A pair of Greater Roadrunners were a sight for sore eyes in the Kicker field. This is where our lone resident Killdeer is also hanging its hat since we have no available gravel or bare cement for camouflaged eggs.
The male Bell's Vireo was back to protecting his territory by the northeast martin house.
I was first greeting by a very social Carolina Chickadee that gave several poses, along with Swainson's Thrush, Northern Cardinal, and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak activity dining upon the mulberries that were ripe or close to it.
The Pileated, Red-bellied, and Northern Flicker were not far from all the action.
The longer that I waited, the more birds I heard in the woods, like the White-eyed Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher, Northern Parula, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, and Prothonotary Warbler. It was birdy, pleasantly breezy, and all was well until the Red-shouldered Hawk that I spied going into the Kicker field earlier, showed up here. Prior to its arrival, many of the mentioned birds exited south, and an Ovenbird and Kentucky Warbler were even flushed. The Red-shoulder was first seen on the ground, but missed whatever it was, then came right past me. It was probably what saved the warblers.
When it left, also heading south, I knew my chances for more photos were over for. while. The hawk was on the power lines and while I was readying to get a shot of it, it headed further north by the northeast martin house and planted itself there. All ten Purple Martins were in the sky dive bombing it, and as I came around, it again fled, perching a little north while it again perched on the low power lines. Round the bend, it headed back to Kicker. I don't think the juvenile got anything to eat during all that action.
However, it was a 60 species morning for me and I added the Ovenbird and Kentucky Warbler to my numbers today.
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