Life at Boomer Lake with Deb, Thursday May 15, 2014
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.
- 45mph ostrich runs through Beijing streets before armed police catch it | Mail Online
The flight-less bird escaped from a Beijing farm and hit the asphalt running. It caused a flap among the police, with several patrol cars sent to monitor it.
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.
- Record size flock of wild flamingos spotted in Fla. - CBS News
Tagging operation helps nature experts follow the fortunes of iconic pink bird
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:
- Injured Bald Eagle rescued in South Lakeland
The bald eagle, who homeowners say is a resident, is often seen perching on trees near and around the lake at the center of the community.
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
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
© 2014 Deb Hirt