An unplanned bird day
mleblanca
temperature last week, Husband and I decided that since it was a
cool (90s) day predicted, we would take a lunch to Black Butte Lake.
Along the way we spotted one young Osprey hanging on to the edge
of the nest and exercising his wings by flapping (without flying).
Also at the ponds along the bottom of the dam were White Pelicans,
GB Herons, Egrets, and Canada Geese.
At our lunch spot Burris Creek at the upper end of the lake we saw
many Mourning Doves and W. Kingbirds. Nuttalls and Acorn Wood
peckers; and a few T Vultures were having lunch consisting of dead
jack rabbit. In two tall snags were two more Osprey and a nest.
Walking along the shore of the lake was pleasant with a cool breeze
as we checked out the Osprey at a closer range. Along the water's
edge came a little Green Heron..Returning we were surprised by the
sounds of Killdeer and one mother who was doing the Hurt Bird trick
So looking around carefully, we found the nest with 3 eggs. What
tough birds to be nesting in a dry,rocky creek bed in 100 degree
temps!
Also in the area was a pair of Sharp shinned Hawks sitting among
the rocks.........looking for eggs and/or Killdeer chicks????
Up at the dam were about 50 Grebes. And the nest with the new-
flyer had another Osprey on it. The Pelicans had increased to 2 groups
of ten each.
Stopping at the Sacramento River for a short stroll we spotted about
10 Turkeys and young ones.
A busy day just for going out to have lunch!
Emilie
NorCal