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.

Winter's Famed Trappings

                                                                      Beaver

                                                        Yellow-rumped Warbler(Myrtle)

                                                                       Ditto

                                                                        Ditto

                                                               Fox Squirrel


0730-1000 hrs./43-49 degrees F/28 degree windchill for first hour/15-20 mph wind gusts/partly
cloudy

It was difficult getting pictures for the past several days.  The birds were out, but they just did
not wish to bother with the photographic element.  Most of these shots were obtained today, but
the excitement was on Sunday with wall-to-wall woodpeckers.

Several species of woodpecker were seen in close proximity to each other, some within inches.
They were seeking both sustenance, as well as cavities to excavate.  Unfortunately, European
Starlings were also in the vicinity, which tend to usurp the efforts of cavity nesters, most
notably the Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Several Carolina Chickadees sounded the starling alarm, and the woodpeckers became astute
to possible predators, including the Pileated Woodpecker, who was feeding in the company of
the tiny Downy Woodpecker.

A thunderstorm emptied clouds in the area overnight, so there were lots of large puddles and
great numbers of American Robins today.  With rain comes worms that need to breathe, so between
bathing and eating, there were a good sixty robins on the ground this morning.  They were also
southbound in good numbers, and our Bald Eagle couple paid a visit, too.  The male American Kestrel was also out and about seeking mice, so it was nice just to observe his actions.

Highlights of the Great Salt Lake National Wildlife Refuge

                                                               White-faced Ibises

                                                American Avocet, Non-Breeding Plumage

                                                                Little Blue Heron

                                                                 Monarch Butterfly

                                                                     Fox Squirrel

                                                               Downy Woodpecker

                                                                   Shelf Mushroom

                                                                  Red-tailed Hawk
                                                        Buteo jamaicensis borealis, light morph


These shots were taken in Alfalfa County, OK, mostly with the various confines of the
Great Salt Lake NWR, yesterday 09-26-15.

There was one particular area on the Eagle's Nest Trail, which was a virtual smorgasbord of
avian life.   All in the same vicinity were the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Red-bellied
Woodpeckers, a Northern Flicker, a female Blue Grosbeak, an unknown warbler, and possibly a
female American Kestrel.

We were there during the height of monarch butterfly migration, and observed them, as well as other butterfly species by the thousands.  With any luck, the butterflies will see some increases next
year, so keep your fingers crossed.

There were water birds galore, and even the Salt Flats on Sandpiper Trail even provided a little
water and this wonderful Texas Horned Lizard.

                                                             Texas Horned Lizard

   And then, this guy showed up.  What a find!    

                                                                  Five Lined Skink