Life at Boomer Lake with Deb, Saturday May 11, 2013

This week, there are no complaints at all. When it rained, it was overnight. When it was chilly, it was very early morning. When it was beautiful, sunny, and no wind, I was out on the lake, basking in the rays, as were all the wonderful birds in this week’s lineup. It really doesn’t get any better than this. So let’s stop wasting time, and get to the point!

The Baltimore Oriole was belting out a beautiful song and also wanted to show his stuff, so here he is, in all his glory. If you looked like this, you’d probably do the same. After all, he is hunting for a mate and what better way to do it in this gorgeous scenery?

Several Spotted Sandpipers are calling Boomer Lake their home, and this was a surprise to me, seeing this little beauty on land proper looking for bugs. I just had to have this shot, and I know that you’ll like it, too.

No sooner did I look elsewhere, the Wilson’s Phalarope was also on the grass. It was fairly early morning, and the grass was dew-covered, so this beautiful little piece of scenery was perfect, and just made me smile.

The male Red-winged Blackbirds have been protecting their territory, and it doesn’t matter to them who they try to chase away. The Red-shouldered Hawk, I can understand. But a gull? When I saw that, I felt that the poor gull must have been a little insulted. After all, they just want to grab a quick snack, ad move on. As a matter of fact, in this area, they don’t even touch land.

The Killdeer have nested, and several are still just laying their eggs. Take a look at this one displaying for us. A neighbor remembered seeing me from the lake, and she wanted to show me the nest and the little one protecting her real estate. Now you can see what a beautiful bird this really is with the rust color under the wings. Aren’t these just gorgeous birds?

As luck would have it, I was watching turtles, and who should appear but a lone Cedar Waxwing. Take a look at these poses. This bird wasn’t a bit camera shy, and as a matter of record, I believe that he’s used to being the center of attention.

This pretty little Song Sparrow has a mate, and is nesting rather close to Goose Island. He was belting out a song to attract my attention, and for such a small bird, it is one powerful sound. I often wonder how some of these small birds can sound so large. Let’s just call it nature.

After this photo, I looked off in this distance to spy a Northern Shoveler couple. Look at how the sunlight shines on the male’s head and shows that beautiful iridescent coloring. I never realized that before, so I’m pleased that I could get this to show you exactly what I saw.

With the last rain, the Southern Cove is looking even more inviting, so it is populated by a few more birds that would like to be by themselves. A Blue-winged Teal couple was taking advantage of the area yesterday. It was perfect during late afternoon, a little cooler than where the sun was shining. I spied the Black-crowned Night Heron there again, but by the time I was ready to get a picture of him, he was gone.

Today was in the low eighties, and just perfect for red eared slider sunning. I couldn’t leave without getting a couple of these beauties enjoying themselves.

Butterflies are out there, most notably the yellow sulfur. When I see the bright yellow fluttering about, it reminds me of little suns. What better way to usher in the beauty of spring? Keep your head in the clouds and your eyes to the ground until next week. Happy birding!

Also, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. May you all have a wonderful and prosperous day, and may the sun always shine upon you.