Life at Boomer Lake with Deb, Sunday February 24, 2013

This was an interesting week. During the early part of the week, we got a bit of sleet, snow and rain, which means that the Southern Cove now has a little water in it. Excellent! Now the birds are back there spending some quiet time, as well as getting a little drink for themselves here and there. We are now out of barren desert phase!

Three Red-shouldered Hawks came to visit on Tuesday. I was able to get two of them in one shot, and managed to get one in flight. Even though it isn’t a great shot, it is still encouraging that I am able to begin getting used to the new camera and am learning how to do more and more with it.

The American Robins have overtaken Boomer Lake, and the males are surveying their respective territories. I got a shot of a couple in the snow, and there is actually still a few patches of it left.

Three American White Pelicans have showed up, one of which is a male sporting his breeding plumage. See the little extra on the bill? That signifies the male, who is a very nice looking specimen.

The Red-winged Blackbirds have been announcing their presence, as well. Some of the adults are already back, as well as some of the first year males. The first years have smaller epaulets, which aren’t as brightly colored as the adults. There are also a few males that don’t even have them yet.

The American Coots have been increasing in number, the Double-crested Cormorants have been seen upon occasion, and Goose Island is gaining its population. All the birds are gearing up a little early for spring, but they tell me that spring is just about here. I’m not totally convinced of that, as rumor has it that we will be getting snow on Monday and Tuesday, perhaps even as much as seven inches. Let’s see what happens, and gear up accordingly. I’m still not about to put up my winter weather gear just yet.

Here’s a couple of surprise shots for you that I consider myself lucky to have obtained. The male Belted Kingfisher was out this morning posing for me. Since he already has chosen a female, he can get a little bored. It also helps that he is used to me and very patient, too. He deflected off the water trying to grab a small fish, plus I got this bonus shot of him hovering in the air. It was going to happen sooner of later, but I never thought that it was going to be this soon.

Here’s a few action shots that everyone likes of Canada Geese and the Ring-billed Gulls.

This is the extent of what has been happening this week. Keep your eyes to the ground and your head in the clouds, because you never know what kinds of birds might just show up on your doorstep. Don’t forget to keep black oil sunflower seeds, some suet, and a water dish nearby for our feathered friends. Just because it is winter, they need water even more so. See you next week!