Lakes are Drying Up

Lack of rain and high temperatures for the month of March are causing all the local lakes to shrink. That is happening at an even quicker pace all of a sudden. Over at Lake Emerald, wading birds, like the Wood Storks are easily finding food in the shallow waters. They simply stride through the water and sweep the area with open bills.



A little mud stirring with their powerful legs helps even more.



Two blocks away, Mallard broods are hatching. Won't be long until the Wood Duck families join in.



One surprise for the morning was a single female Ring-necked Duck. All the others headed North a couple weeks ago.



I can't remember what I was trying to photograph when I noticed a Palm Warbler skipping though the Cypress trees along the shore.



This bird is nearly into breeding plumage but what really struck me was the short tail. Must be a last molt before the long flight home.



Should be getting other warblers and shorebirds soon. Camera at the ready!