Lake Lancaster Variety

So, yesterday's dearth of birds at the gardens means I need a fix at a place I know has the birds right now. Back to Lake Lancaster. The usual birds were there and today I had a small flock of White Ibis right on the shore so I could get some great shots. All of the adult birds were in breeding plumage. In White Ibis it expresses itself with bright red facial skin.



You gotta love those blue eyes, too.



There was one juvenile in the mix. They begin their life a brown-ish gray and molt into bright white.



My favorite shot was this bird apparently looking for something on the ground.



Out on the recently exposed sandbar was one of the adult Great-blue Herons from the rookery group.



There was another heron to the right and it took me a few seconds to realize that this was one of the juveniles! Compare the two and you will see the subtle differences.



I was looking for the Spotted Sandpiper over at Lake Emerald the last couple days but it was not there. Too much human activity. Seems that made it fly the few blocks over here!



One of the Muscovy Ducks wandered out by the shore. A lot of folks really dislike Muscovys. I think they can be quite pretty at times. Their chicks are flat out adorable. Yeah, I said it.



Winds were picking up and the light was right for watching the shorebirds like the increasing number of Solitary Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs.



They were weary of me but actually got closer to me than the past couple weeks. Nice when they come to you.



Over on the far side of the lake Snowy Egrets wade through the water and pluck fish from the waves. Love these birds in breeding plumage, too. It was those fluffy feathers of breeding egrets that almost led to their demise back in the day. All for fashion...



Our last bird of the day is yet another Solitary Sandpiper. This is the bigger concentration of this species in Orlando that I have seen over the years. They won't be here much longer.



Tomorrow is banding and a trip to Winter Park for dinner. What surprises await?

Couple Local Birds

Quick spin around the neighborhood. Over at the cemetery there were no great views of the eagles but I paused to grab a snap of a European Starling. Hard to get them on the ground. Usually up in the trees or on wires.



I have been expecting some sort of shore bird activity as the lakes are all showing edges worthy of their attention. Finally, I found a Lesser Yellowlegs at Lake Lancaster just down the road.



Hopefully a sign of things to come. Rains are projected to return after 3 weeks of drought. Birds should be moving up soon.

Lake Davis Birds Recap

Still no rain and the lake continues to get lower with each passing day. For now, this is OK as it still keeps a few shorebirds around including Black-necked Stilts and a couple Lesser Yellow Legs.



We also have a few Least Sandpipers combing the nearby lake edges.



Still nice to see the female Green-winged Teal cruising the lake.



Though the biggest flock of young Mallard ducklings have dropped from 15 to 5, the older groups seem to be holding there own, traveling from the 'bird island' to the shore to find food.



A fun day to watch the lake but we really need rain.

Killdeer Watch, Day 8

A new twist to the Killdeer watch.

As I was returning to the van after taking the pictures seen below a resident of the lakeside rushed out to ask what I was taking pictures of with me 'high-powered' camera. Perhaps I was casing houses for later robberies? Didn't he notice I never once pointed the camera toward ANY house? Ah, paranoia.

We got to talking and I pointed out the Killdeer nest just across from his residence. The female was still in place, incubating the 4 eggs.



As we talked, he revealed that they have seen a Red Fox coming in and out of the culvert not far from the nest area. I have never seen a fox in the area in all these year but I would be sure to investigate when I can while keeping an eye out for the Killdeer.

Also near the Killdeer nest was a Lesser Yellowlegs.



More Yellowlegs are also around.



Starting to appreciate their beauty the more I see them this year.



I have been trying to get a good family portrait of the Mallard hen with her ducklings and finally got one. I count 15. No raptors around so maybe most will make it.



However, it could have been 16. As I was walking down to find the family I spotted this unfortunate duckling that didn't make it. For some reason I find this image compelling.



Nearby, a pair of Fish Crows seemed to be courting. I have seen several crows carrying nesting material overheard for the past few days. This crow caught my eye because of the white patch on it's head.



The Black-necked Stilts are still around and I am trying to get a good exposure.



The Spotted Sandpiper was found again but is very skittish today.



It is always to find a sunning Anhinga around the lakes.



More discoveries await! A good April, so far.

Lesser Yellowlegs, plus...

Went to look for the Lesser Yellowlegs this morning to see if it had stuck around. Indeed! Plus, it brought a friend.



Nice to get a Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs in one place. Then add some better lighting and you are set.

Lesser Yellowlegs

I was heading the store, minding my business, when I spotted a bird feeding along the shore of Lake Davis. I park immediately and grabbed the camera and rushed across the street.

The light was fading but I managed a couple shots for ID purposes.



This is the first Lesser Yellowlegs I have ever seen at Lake Davis. We have had other shore birds over the years but not this species.



Oh, yeah. I need to go grocery shopping...