Another Tour, Another Lake

Took a new route home today and found some nice birds around Lake Lancaster and then headed to check on the Bald Eagles. First, Lancaster. There hasn't been a lot out there lately but today there was a nice little grouping of birds right near the drive. Completely obvious from any angle was one of the local Mute Swans. I Spoke to the woman that bred them years ago not too far away and she released them and they move from lake to lake around the area.

Many folks are distressed at this action but they are now a part of the community.



In the reedy grass nearby, several herons gathered to feed. Snowy Egrets aren't completely rare but rare enough to garner notice from me.



Feet away, a Little-blue Heron picks off small fish in the weeds.



Even more rare than the Snowy Egret was the Glossy Ibis in the group. Glossy Ibis are very common all over the coasts but it is nice to see them here inland. Especially as they near breeding plumage.



Back around Lake Emerald. Another Wood Duck slowed for a shot.



Off to the cemetery for a check on the eagles. Luckily, I got another sighting of the Coyote that lurks near the eagle nest. It was skittish as always but this is the first shot I got with the new lens.



Nothing of much interest at the eagle nest. Just one adult hanging out in the pines.



Tomorrow is another day but this was a nice swing through for a few minutes before chores had to be done. Where are those eaglets?

Swans are Back

Took the circular route home to see if the Ring-necked Ducks were still around (they are, in smaller numbers) and noticed the unmistakable white blobs of swan shapes on a far shore. I swung by to see if I could get some shots.

Two of the many local swans had returned and were looking for a handout but all I had was goodwill and my camera. So they fed off of the bottom of the lake and preened.



I just love watching them dip and rise and trying to get some shots of water dripping off of their bills.



The day was closing fast but the light was nice. The shutter kept clicking away for a few more minutes. The swans just fed and posed.



Just as I was heading back to the car another white shape swooped in and landed nearby. It was a Great Egret with something for dinner. Couldn't tell from where I was so I slowly approached the bird to get a better look.



To my surprise, it looked like it had snatched up a young soft-shelled turtle! It kept try to figure out how to swallow it whole. Before it could do that, though, it flew off to the other side of the lake. Hope it didn't choke!