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

Look, Water in the Southern Cove!
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!


Red-shouldered Hawks
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.

American Robins
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.

American White Pelicans
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.

Red-winged Blackbird
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.

American Coot
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.



Belted Kingfisher
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.


Our Old Favorites!
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!



Comments
Just came across your Hub, and it is so interesting! I am an avid bird watcher too, and have 4 feeders out presently - 3 black oil sunflower seed and 1 Niger. We get lovely birds, and they are really hungry now! I look forward to reading more of your Boomer Lake series.
I always love your hubs about Sooner Lake and of course, this is another great one. Your pics are great and I can't wait for some warmer weather! :)
Hard to pick from these! I think the Belted Kingfisher is my favorite though. Guess I don't have to pick a fav but that is just me. Had a friend in grade school get really mad at me for picking a favorite of her two turtles when I was spending the night. I should have learned my lesson maybe, lol. All the shots are great though, you really should have a book.
Amazing pictures! I find the American coot interesting. Thanks again for sharing the information. :-)
I love the photos of the birds in flight, Deb. I enjoyed this edition of your Boomer Lake journal (as I always do) and I'm already looking forward to the next!
I'm pretty impressed with all your in flight shots this week - even if you are only just getting to grips with the camera!
Thank you so mcuh once again Deb for another brilliant hub. I hope you keep these coming for a long time to come. I vote up,across and share.
Enjoy your day.,
Eddy.
Deb, your birds in flight are absolutely brilliant! You are a very quick learner it seems because these are some of the best in-flight bird pictures I've seen! I love that belted kingfisher, which I've seen in person, but only perched and not in flight. Very impressive my friend!
Voted Up, Awesome and everything.
Fantastic in flight pics! I loved the hawk ones. These hubs are so interesting, an ongoing saga and never boring, well done I love them. I love your American Robin too, so brightly coloured.
Your photos have always been good, but WOW! Another great visit to the lake.
As always thank you so much for this. My new therapist is working with me and looking out a window.
Deb, you got the belted kingfisher hovering!! My son and I have been waiting for this to happen. I just called him in and we are both impressed. You are moving right along with the camera. Great shots this week.
Great one Deb! I love the Red-wings and their call too. Have not seen any here lately. That shot of the hawl in flight is good, I think. But the Oscar goes to the photos of the Kingfisher! Those are amazing! I will be sure to share them with my in-house photographer.
Wow! The hawks are spectacular. Thank you for some great pictures this week, Deb!
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