092620 Muskogee Edition, Birding Today

https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/birding-today-violent-weather-activity-damages-bird-populations/article_ef922fcc-4273-56b2-a804-b65273ed65aa.html 

092620 SNP Edition, Life At Boomer Lake

https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/life-at-boomer-lake-seeing-plenty-of-migratory-waders/article_775fd212-ffad-11ea-bf8a-d371702b6ac3.html 

092220 Water Birds of Boomer Lake

091420                                                        Great Blue Heron 

This is a favored spot for the herons as well as the Mallards and domestics.  This bird was trying to get a little fishing in.

092120                                                             Sanderling

This unusual bird was located on the south side of Shorebird Jetty, among several Least Sandpipers.  This spangled juvenile was fresh from the far north about a month ago.  This is the first year that Sanderlings were recorded on Boomer Lake in both spring and fall.  Last spring (2019) was the first time that they were listed on this lake. 

092120 Migratory Gulls, Swallows, Waders, and Shorebirds to the Rescue in Fall

 090420                                                    Spotted Sandpiper

This is a non-breeding bird, common for this time of year.  Though the Spotted Sandpiper is known for its spots, not all birds will sport them now, especially those molting just before migration into winter plumage.

090920                                                          Blue-winged Teal

At first appearance, it appeared that these were simply Blue-winged Teal.  If one looks a little closer, te green speculum can be seen at the edge of the femoral tract.

 

                                                                        Cattle Egret

This loner was among a group of several protective Great Egrets on Shorebird Jetty on this rainy day when many waterbirds were out of the skies.

                                                                      Pectoral Sandpiper

This was a nice find among the many more common individuals.

091020                                                      Great Blue Heron

The "Silent Sentinel" at its best.

                                                                       Least Sandpiper

This may be the smallest sandpiper, but it is still beautiful in breeding plumage.

 

                                                                        Cliff Swallow

It is rare for these birds to be perched due to rudimentary feet, but it happens on occasion.

                                                                      Franklin's Gull

One could say "three on a match."  Note the red tip on the bill, one of the distinguishing characteristics for this species.

Some of these were before and after the Wyoming adventure, but it is always good to return to familiar grounds, especially in the midst of migration.

092020 SNP Edition, Life At Boomer Lake

https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/life-at-boomer-lake-many-birds-expected-to-come-at-their-leisure/article_fdaec234-f944-11ea-a764-8b1496e83dff.html

091920 Muskogee Phoenix, Birding Today

https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/birding-today-identifying-birds-in-the-fall/article_aab96f67-2767-5e20-80b7-4a6063cd0325.html 

091320 Muskogee Edition, Birding Today

https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/birding-today-frigatebird-have-unusual-sleep-habits/article_b8bb81f0-111b-569d-9267-a9069aa8e3ee.html