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Life at Boomer Lake with Deb, Thursday May 15, 2014

Updated on May 15, 2014
Ostrich in Beijing
Ostrich in Beijing | Source

Field Notes

Ostrich on the Run

Can you imagine an ostrich running through the city streets at 45 mph? Not only was he speeding, but he had residents of Beijing, China, in quite an uproar.

Large Group of Flamingos
Large Group of Flamingos | Source

Flamingo Origin a Mystery

147 flamingos showed up in West Palm County, FL, a state record. But where did they come from? If we knew that, we could solve the dilemma on how to better protect them.

Rescued Bald Eagle from Lakeland, FL
Rescued Bald Eagle from Lakeland, FL | Source

Just Hangin' Around, But Luckily Rescued

A Bald Eagle was rescued in Lakeland, FL hanging in a pine tree with some sort of wire or fishing line wrapped around its wing, which has not been confirmed for me yet. Read about the rescue efforts here:

Milkweed Pod and Seeds
Milkweed Pod and Seeds | Source

Where to Get Almost Free Milkweed and Butterfly Garden Seeds

It has been a bit cooler this week, but it has not been a real problem for birds and wildlife. The only ones that have disappeared for the moment are the butterflies, but they will come back. With any luck, we’ll get some much-needed precipitation soon, for that is necessary for the survival of all birds and animals. The water table on the lake in receding to some degree, and needs to be replaced.

While we’re on the topic, it is important for you conservationists and naturalists to plant milkweed and plenty of it. It is an important staple in the lives of both birds and butterflies, namely the monarch. If you remit $1 to Live Monarch – Seed Campaign 2014/3003-C8 Yamato Road #1015/Boca Raton, FL 33434 you will receive in return 50+ seeds for milkweed or for a butterfly garden. Just specify the type of seeds that you want.

Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird | Source

Eastern Kingbird

The Eastern Kingbird has been in residence for a couple of weeks now. This little beauty is related to the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and is just as tyrannical as the flycatcher. They really aren’t mean, but they do want other birds to keep away from their territories and will escort them out if provoked.

Canada Goslings "Mummy, Mummy, Mummy, Mummy!"
Canada Goslings "Mummy, Mummy, Mummy, Mummy!" | Source

Canada Goslings and Dangers of Plastic

Our little Canada goslings are really growing quickly and meet me at the lake every day. There’s nothing like young ones around the lake to remind us that it is spring and to please be careful of trash on the ground. It is especially crucial for young birds not to have anything detrimental to their health, like fishing line, plastic bags, or plastic rings around the water bottle caps. Please be as diligent as you can in throwing these items away in a trash receptacle if you see them. Thanks so much for your help!

Male Yellow Warbler
Male Yellow Warbler | Source

Yellow Warblers in Residence

There are several Yellow Warblers that seem to be setting up housekeeping in the deciduous trees on the lake. I have been hearing their loud and boisterous singing on a daily basis now, and that pleases me greatly. With any luck, you are able to see them as well. These are not like your normal warblers, that just speed through the trees. These little beauties actually will sit for a time on one branch as long as they don’t feel threatened. They do stay rather high, but that long song should bring your eye to them rather quickly. You’ll enjoy them as much as I do.

European Starling
European Starling | Source

Songbirds are Nesting with Young

The European Starlings, American Robins, and Northern Mockingbirds are actively feeding young ones. I have not spotted any nests as of yet, but I suspect that there are quite a few with the large avian population around the lake. Everywhere that I turn, there are birds everywhere, which is a good sign.

Male Red-winged Blackbird
Male Red-winged Blackbird | Source
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Female Red-winged Blackbird | Source

Red-winged Blackbirds and Barn Swallows

Red-winged Blackbirds are everywhere, as are the Barn Swallows, which you’ll see come out from under the bridges. They are all over the park, which is also a good sign for the health of the lake. Between the Barn Swallows and the Purple Martins, they will readily keep the pest population down. They keep the flies, mosquitoes and other flying insects in check.

Clay-colored Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow | Source

More Songbirds Debut

There are a large number of American Goldfinches, Bell’s Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, Mourning Dove, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and Clay-colored Sparrow in residence. I have also seen several varieties of other warblers, as well as the Northern Parula on the lake.

Blue-winged Teal Pair
Blue-winged Teal Pair | Source

As Spring Progresses and Summer Comes

The Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Blue-winged Teal, and several other waterbirds, including the Double-crested Cormorant have healthy populations as well.

As spring progresses, and summer is due to arrive, we will also see other visitors, like the Dickcissel. I haven’t seen the normal number of Eastern Meadowlarks, but chances are good that they could be with the area cattle at this point, especially if there is plenty of water available. The little Cattle Egret still comes and goes upon occasion, but that is quite normal for them, as they are likely communing with the cattle and meadowlarks.

Where is Boomer Lake in Stillwater, OK?

And Then

There are a small amount of Brown Thrashers, Red-shouldered Hawks, and other species that will tend to come and go, like the Blue Jay. Later on in the season, we will likely see the Red-tailed Hawk and the American Avocet. Anything else will be a definite bonus.

This about wraps up the week. Keep your eyes to the ground and your head in the clouds. Happy birding and I hope to see you again next time.

Great Blue Heron with His Crappie
Great Blue Heron with His Crappie | Source
Pre-teen Gosling
Pre-teen Gosling | Source
Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove | Source

© 2014 Deb Hirt

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