Decided to check out the East Fork beach and surrounding areas this morning to see if that huge low pressure system brought anything good in.
As soon as I got out of the car, an Osprey flew over. The wind was howling out of the northwest. Something large and white caught my eye just over the rise to the west. What the $#%@ is that? I got closer to find this:
Headless cement goose
A headless cement goose. Someone had to have carried this dang thing down to the water's edge and put it there. Don't know what this is supposed to mean. Maybe it's a sign I should quit watching birds?
Nah, that ain't happening.
After I found out what the goofy looking white thing was, I went back up the little rise to hear and then see a flock of about 20 Horned Larks flying around. They decided not to land on the beach. I then spotted an adult Bald Eagle soaring over the lake.
I then decided to head up to the two ponds on top the hill to look for land birds. Glad I did. There was a lot of activity. Found a Swamp Sparrow, lots of Yellow-rumped Warbers, Robins and other birds. Also found this cool looking leucistic American Robin.
Nah, that ain't happening.
After I found out what the goofy looking white thing was, I went back up the little rise to hear and then see a flock of about 20 Horned Larks flying around. They decided not to land on the beach. I then spotted an adult Bald Eagle soaring over the lake.
I then decided to head up to the two ponds on top the hill to look for land birds. Glad I did. There was a lot of activity. Found a Swamp Sparrow, lots of Yellow-rumped Warbers, Robins and other birds. Also found this cool looking leucistic American Robin.
Leucistic American Robin
While watching the leucistic robin, I noticed something smaller bathing in the water in front of the robins. Purple Finches! Two of them. They are the first of the season for me. (Crappy pictures)
Female (or immature) Purple Finch(es)
A female Belted Kingfisher was fishing the pond as I was watching the Purple Finches. I love kingfishers.
Female Belted Kingfisher
The woods were going crazy with bird activity, so I decided to go find out what was going on. I often see Barred Owls in this area, so I decided to imitate one to see what would happen. A Barred Owl went (vocally) nuts and so did the other birds.
Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, YS Flickers, GC Kinglets, Cedar Waxwings, WT Sparrows.
This White-breasted Nuthatch almost landed on my head.
Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, YS Flickers, GC Kinglets, Cedar Waxwings, WT Sparrows.
This White-breasted Nuthatch almost landed on my head.
White-breasted Nuthatch
And the flickers were going crazy!
Yellow-shafted Flicker female
very nice post and photos - a good day indeed
ReplyDeleteWow what a weird thing to find- a headless cement bird?! Sounds like you had a good time out there!
ReplyDelete...you made me laugh with your headless cement goose! What a stellar day for birding. I love seeing a large flock of Horned Larks--their calls are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Don. I love the Flicker, have never gotten a good photo of one.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting morning !
ReplyDeleteReally good (and very funny!) post!
ReplyDelete