Life at Boomer Lake with Deb, Sunday May 19, 2013

Lots of clouds and a little bit of rain in Oklahoma this week, but Texas got the tornadoes. I do hope that everyone there is all right.

These are Killdeer eggs, the first clutch that I know about. There are usually four eggs laid on the ground, generally in gravel or something similar. It really is hard to see them unless you know what you are looking for. They have been in industrial parking lots, and other big traffic areas, so they aren't always successful in hatching.

There was a good deal of activity with the male tyrant birds and the Red-winged Blackbirds. I witnessed several instances of crows and grackles on the run. For a small bird, the Eastern Kingbird has no fear of anything within his kingdom. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if these birds would even take on an eagle. Does anybody have any stories to tell on that front?

Unfortunately, I almost got pictures of Yellow Warblers and the Eastern Kingbird, but both of them were on the run. As a matter of fact, I was about ready to get the shot of a male Yellow Warbler when he darted off. I suspect that as the season goes on, they will be more willing to get closer to me, but until then, I will do my best to get those shots for you.

As a consolation prize, though, I DID get a couple of decent shots of the Northern Flicker! At least I have seen one woodpecker this spring! By the way, since the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s tree collapsed from rot this past winter, I have been on the hunt for a new tree, but have had no luck yet. I hear them in the Northern Reaches, and will try searching again next week. Wish me luck and maybe I’ll have a wonderful prized shot this coming week.

I was out for a couple of hours today, and I saw several noteworthy things. There were five American White Pelicans surrounded by a few American Avocets and Blue-winged Teals.

Numerous Blue-winged Teals were in the tall grass by the lakeside and it makes me wonder if we might have a nest or two. There are definitely paired couples, and if they stay long enough, I’m hoping that I can get shots of those beautiful young ones when it is time. Last year it didn’t work out, as the Blue-winged teals went elsewhere to raise families, but with these things, different seasonal activity can occur in another year. Again, wish me luck!

The spring wildflowers are simply beautiful so far this spring. Some of the trees are also budding, ad I got a very interesting shot of a tree bud for you today. I don’t know what it is yet, but that information is bound to come out soon enough. Since it is now thundering in the distance, I feel that chances are quite good that I will be able to do some research in the next day or two. The butterflies are also increasing their populations, but we still seem to be short on them, still. I got this shot of one on this dandelion, so you can really see one. For those of you that haven’t even seen one yet, I want to assure you that spring really is here and will be in your part of the US eventually. I dare not say soon, as I understand that many of you are still experiencing cold weather, especially in the northern zones.

There was a fishing tournament here at Boomer Lake in the middle of the week, and many youngsters were out there for their first competition, which was run by the local parks and rec department. Today, I saw another family near where I look for birds at the Northern Reaches, and with all the activity, most of the birds there took a bit of a leave of absence. However, the good news is that I saw this beautiful mule deer! I have not seen a deer since I have been in Oklahoma, which has been three years now. Isn’t this tiny deer gorgeous?

I will bid you goodbye for now, but you know that I will return next week for more reports on the beautiful birds, butterflies, animals, and flowers. In the meantime, keep your head in the clouds and your eyes to the ground. Happy birding, and enjoy a safe and wonderful Memorial Day.