102118 SNP Edition, Life at Boomer Lake

http://www.stwnewspress.com/news/lifestyles/life-at-boomer-lake-these-birds-have-a-song-for/article_c1b01c0b-b1f9-5bd9-8cae-7c99cba735b0.html

Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Carolina Wren

A remarkable little bird that sometimes visits feeders, the Carolina Wren can be seen fairly frequently under the right conditions.  This little dynamo appears to have excess energy and likes dense brushy tangles within the woods or riparian areas.  Its call and song repertoire features many unusual sounds that many do not associate with only one species.  From personal experience, there are approximately thirty calls and songs that are associated with this wren.

Most common year round in the southeastern part of the country, this energetic bird finds some of the most unusual locations to build a nest.  It has been known to use cavities, spring wreaths, laundry on the line, planters, forgotten hats in sheds, a rubber boot, and even inside grills.  Its creative locations for nesting either provide complete privacy or it sticks out like a sore thumb.  Either way, the Carolina Wren will provide hours of unusual entertainment and an appropriate study subject for the budding ornithologist.

                                                              Juvenile Carolina Wren
                                                        (note lack of orange-buff wash
                                                               on breast, belly, flanks)

This bird is not as shy as one would think, as it will even join other species in raising an alarm for intruders.  Being in the right place at the correct time, a cat was observed prowling and on the hunt for unsuspecting protein.  A Northern Cardinal first began the alarm call, was joined by another bird that I cannot recall, and the third hero was a Carolina Wren.  Watching this with complete fascination, I also became the fourth participant with a pishing call.  The cat was so dismayed with the unwanted attention, it disappeared into the tall grass on the water side of a local lake.  All parties victorious, they didn't mind my presence in the least until they became comfortable again.  They soon went their separate ways to continue their quest for sustenance.

                                                             Adult Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren is a known victim of Brown-headed Cowbird parasitism, especially in April.

Adventure Outdoors Magazine Article

https://adventureoutdoorsmag.com/stillwater-oklahoma/

More From the Latter Half of December

                                                      Bald Eagle Over Boomer Lake

                                                Fox Squirrel in Wood Duck Nesting Box

                                                           Female Belted Kingfisher

                                                                     Gadwall Pair

                                    Herring Gulls (in rear with Red Dots on Lower Mandible)



These are more shots from the latter half of the month and the time period encompasses both cold and warmer mornings, which is still happening.

Since it has been more warm than cold recently, we just haven't been getting normal duck influx, but
the area has been getting plenty of longspurs not far from here.  Chances are excellent that I might be
able to get a shot or two if Lady Luck is on my side tomorrow.  Keep those fingers and toes crossed for me, but don't do that with your eyes.

I'm behind on editing and posting pictures, as this new photo program is not yet to be trusted in my hands without a little guidance, so by next weekend, I hope to have more shots for you to see.

Head over to the lake, especially on those days when the barometer is falling, as that is the best time
for you to see plenty of birds.  They can detect air pressure and will lie low during those times, so what is already there will not go elsewhere.  Try it, and I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.  Get a weather station and you'll always be in the know, just like I am.

Happy New Year, and may you experience spectacular birding in 2017.

Clutch 2 and 3 preparing for the Arrival of Young Siblings

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3

                                                          Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                                           Ditto

                                                                            Ditto

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3
                                                                  Just Prior to Feeding

                                                 Green Heron Adult and Clutch 3 Chicks
                                                                 "Feeding Assault"

                                                                           Ditto
                                                               "Feeding Assault 2"

                                                          Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3
                                                                      Post Feeding

                                                       Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                             Green Heron First Summer

                                                                         Ditto

                                                      Green Heron First Summer (Right)
                                                                Clutch 2 Bird (Left)

                                                            Green Heron First Summer

                                                                 Green Heron Adult

                                                            Green Heron First Summer

                                                                          Ditto

                                                         Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                       Green Heron Juveniles, Clutch 2

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3


July 12-14, 2016

78-80 degrees F/partly to mostly cloudy, variable/10 mph winds, except July 12, which was 16
     mph winds/68-70% RH

All days experienced unsettled weather


Over these three days, over six hundred photos were obtained of various behaviors, some of which
included the feeding of clutch 2.  Most of the feedings were done by the first summer bird, while
the adult birds looked on and/or fed themselves or the females sitting on nests.  The first summer bird
fed both sets of youngsters and did an exemplary job in its capacity, resting for 20-30 minute time
periods when necessary.

Even the clutch 3 birds are quite flighted, even though they have not gone on a maiden voyage at
this time.  They have been doing some experimental movement, which includes showing themselves at the rear of their immediate boundaries, and show no sense of caution.  As such, I control what I
can to keep them as safe as possible.  Clutch 2 members are still fearless and have been going for
longer flights with experienced bird(s) upon occasion.

The eldest member of clutch 3 has been going to the water's edge and wandering about the immediate nest tree area, but no land movement has been observed at the rear of the colony, like the members of
clutch 1 in their early lives.

The Newest Kids in the 'Hood Come Down the Nest Tree

                                                          Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3

                                                         Green Heron Chick, Clutch 2

                                                            Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                     Two Out of Three (Eldest), Clutch 3

                                                      Eldest Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                        Green Heron Juveniles, Clutch 2

                                                                     Ditto, Position 2

                                                          Green Heron Chick, Clutch 2

                                                          Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                                   Red Eared Slider


July 6, 2016

0850-0950 hrs./80-88 degrees F(felt like 90)/partly cloudy/15 mph SSE winds/72% RH

Prior to going out slightly later, the cloud cover was very heavy with no light coming through.
When the youngsters got out of bed at the crack of 0845, the action began soon after.  They were
coaxed out of their immediate nest tree area by the young of clutch 2.  They still showed some
instability, but the older birds were handy, along with a parent in the area at all times.  The family
seems to have chick rearing down to a science, which is good introductory material for the older
youngsters in clutch 2.

The littlest ones didn't stay out long, as they still have a lot of down feathers, which is not good protection from the sun.  When they were feeling the heat, they just went back to the protection
of the tree boughs.

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                                          Ditto

                                                                   Green Heron Adult

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                                     Clutch 2 Members

                                                          Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3

                                                           Clutch 3 Green Heron Chick

                                                  Clutch 3 Chicks Coming Down the Tree

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3
                                                       (Just After Being Fed by Parent)

                                                            Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3


July 7, 2016

0730-0840 hrs./82-83 degrees F (feels like 88)/mostly cloudy/16 mph S winds/67% RH


An adult and the clutch 2 juveniles were all strategically placed while the clutch 3 chicks
were coaxed into coming out of the safe confines of the outer area where the nest was near.
They made it down the tree and into the open without incident, even though they are still somewhat unsteady on their feet, but this will improve with experience.

This was the day that they were fed by a parent in the open.  Soon after the parent left, they
returned to the inner sanctum of the nest tree, but the final picture shows one holdout.  The final
member of clutch tree returned to the nest area after a short time.

The Saga of the Green Heron Clan

Friday, 06-17-16

0655-0830 hrs./76-83 degrees F/sunny/10 mph SE winds/ 83% RH


Another sweltering day in the neighborhood, due to extreme humidity.  The sun was
beating on me and the Green Herons, but we kept with the photo shoot for as long as we could.
An adult eventually took three youngsters out of the four to learn about surviving life as a
Green Heron, but the baby stayed here.

All the juvenile birds were up and about before my arrival for the past several days developing
a solid routine.   Since all good things must come to an end, we probably won't be seeing a lot of
these juveniles any more, as they will remain out on their own for the most part.

The next part of the journey will be clutch #2, when the time has arrived for the rest of the 2016
Saga of the Green Heron clan.