I took off at lunch today and headed toward Hog Island. I stopped off
at Flowerdew and got another snake...a northern watersnake this time.
Only birds active were the red-wing black birds and a couple pileated
woodpeckers. Left tehre and headed to Sunken Meadow. Quite a few
Canada Geese there, and bunches of Mute Swans. One set had about 6
babies...cute little things. Also a couple of friendly geese that came
up and talked to me at the other end of the lake. Headed to Hog island
for the rest of the afternoon. I had the island to myself at first.
When I pulled in there were 10 immature Bald Ealges near the first
viewing platform. They were feeding on a dead raccoon and wouldn't let
me get close enough to get any decent pictures. They flew off and I
didn't see them again. Did see two adult eagles later in the day. Lots
and lots of Great Blue Herons and Egrets...in the water, in the trees,
in the weeds....
A couple highlights for the day were a Glossy Ibis, a pair of Wood
Ducks, and a Northern Shoveler, and quite a few shorebirds. There was
lots of non-water bird activity as well, but they were not cooperative
for pictures. Warlbers, cardinals, kingbirds were abundant.
The area overall is in great shape...all of the trees and weeds are
cleared and you have great views of the first water area. The grass has
been cut and the mosquitoes were not bad. The flies got a bit annoying,
but the breeze helped keep them away most of the time. It was a
gorgeous day for me to have the afternoon off.
Pics are loaded at:
http://public.fotki.com/bhouston/miscellaneous/nature_pics/20100526-flowerdew-/
Have a safe Memorial day weekend.
Barbara
