Ring-billed Gull
First Cycle
Osprey
Great Blue Heron
Yellow-rumped Warbler(Myrtle)
Breeding Plumage
Ditto
Female Black Swallowtail
0825-1130 hrs./65-75 degrees F/partly cloudy/25-30 mph wind gusts
These shots were from yesterday and today. Even though today had some eventful winds that
actually pushed me backward, it was still a remarkable day for birding. For the first time this
year, the Osprey came to visit. One tends to find Ospreys where eagles reside, so this seems
to show that our American Bald Eagles find this a worthy place in which to live. Since they
still visit the lake, it appears to me that they have young this year, a banner event.
Yesterday, I heard the Marsh Wren on the north side of the lake in the reeds and rushes. It
never came out, but I had noticed something in the grasses in the past. It had been filled with
song yesterday, hence the positive ID on the bird.
Yellow-Rumped Warblers are all over the area, but the Song Sparrows are moving north now. There are still a few hangers-on, and the Savannah Sparrow was recently seen, too. We still have plenty of Harris's and Field Sparrows, AND even though they will soon be covered, we do have at least one breeding pair of Eastern Meadowlarks. It would be nice if they could raise a clutch, but their field usually gets mowed.
Another Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was observed today, and one Cattle Egret was seen just east of
Goose Island.
There are at least two broods of Canada Goslings, one of five and another of three young. I was
told that there was a single gosling seen with its parents recently, so there will be more coming.
Killdeer eggs have also been laid, more male Mallards are out and about than females, so the hens
are likely on theirs nests, too.
There had been large rafts of Pied-billed Grebes, Ruddy Ducks, Blue-winged Teal. and Northern Shovelers this morning, but once the wind subsides and they are well-rested, they will be on their way, too.
Let the spring and summer games begin, as we are ready!
