Boomer Birds Are Readying For Movement

                                                       European Starling with Cicada

                                                           Eastern Cottontail Juveniles

                                                  One of Two Eastern Cottontail Juveniles
                                                                   "Jumping For Joy"

                                                   Same Two Eastern Cottontail Juveniles
                                                                "Catch Me If You Can"

                                                                      Green Heron

                                                            Juvenile Carolina Wren

                                                               Juvenile Carolina Wren
                                                                           View 2


072318 through 080418

Much has been going on over the past several weeks, which includes the fact that the Green Herons all left Heron Cove and relinquished it to Great Blue Heron.  The last observation on the Green Herons was that a third nest had been built, then abandoned when the heatwave hit Boomer Lake.

Two weeks after their dispersal, one had been heard in the area, then this one was seen a few days later.  Basically, they deserted the area six weeks early, including the handful of young birds reared this year.

Many, many young birds were raised this year besides Green Herons, which include, but are not limited to Northern Mockingbirds, Western Kingbirds, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Northern Cardinals, Brown Thrashers, Mallards, Canada Goslings, Carolina Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, and the list continues.  The Carolina Wren above, is one of those birds reared at Boomer Lake.

Several sets of eastern cottontail rabbits also are pictured above for your viewing pleasure.  Three of them were frolicking while I was present and a few shots were obtained.  There are thirteen species of the eastern cottontail, which is the most common in the US.

Low to medium migratory movement has already begun in the area, most notably with Mallards, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpipers, Green Herons, and many of the blackbird family.  Increased populations will be noticed upon local bodies of water, such as small ponds and lakes.  Larger numbers of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets have already been making their way south due to cooler weather, which means food sources are also on the move.  Purple Martins are gathering in numbers, which is why fewer insects have been a source irritation around waterways.  They will be heading south in due time, since most of the young are capable of reasonable flight.

Since our Mississippi Kites were some of our later spring arrivals, they are still actively rearing young, so they will be some of our last birds to head south.  Recent violent storms over the past couple of weeks have hindered them to some degree, but they will prevail.  Rehabilitators have taken over the job of raising the young that were thrown out of these nesst, and this year, they should all have ample time to safely carry themselves to all points south.

Keep your eyes on the ground and your head in the clouds.  Happy birding!

A Short But Productive Birding Day

                                                                  Great Blue Heron

                                                                     Mallard Drake

                                                Plain-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster)

                                                                     Brown Thrasher

                                                           Juvenile American Robin

                                                            Male Great-tailed Grackle

                                                          Juvenile Great-tailed Grackle

                                                             Eastern Cottontail Rabbit



May 26, 2016

0710-0919/77-80 degrees F/partly to mostly cloudy//17 mph S wind gusts/82% rel. humidity

It felt like 85 degrees F and there was high humidity, making me sweat earlier than 0900 hrs.
However, there were young birds to capture, and one must take photos when the weather is
appropriate in order not to miss what there is to offer.

The snag that Great Blue Heron is standing upon is on that recently came down from one of
many storms.  This Mallard Drake also happened to be upon it, as was a Mallard hen with
four ducklings, and a few Red-eared Slider turtles, a good sized tree limb.

One of many non-poisonous water snakes, this little beauty was sunning and allowed me a quick
shot.  I have photographed some double the size, as well as the venomous Water Moccasin in TX.

The grackles, thrasher, and robins were located at The Southern Cove, which hosts many other birds, including breeding Green Herons (third year), Baltimore Orioles, Warbling Vireos, and provided temporary residence for a lovely Swainson's  Thrush.

Due to the weather rapidly changing, I cut my visit short to avoid getting rained upon.  By the way,
this very young cottontail rabbit told me to tell you "hello."