Water Fowl

Not to be confused with the snowy egret, the Great Egret is 7" taller at 3'. Both can be seen on the shoreline concentrating on the catch of the moment. The Great Egret is the logo of the National Audubon Society.

This majestic bird wanders the shoreline, the disc golf course and can be seen high on tree limbs and rooftops. Its deliberate movements are slow but it strikes in a flash capturing fish or field rodents. Watch its graceful flight.

This unusual flock was observed at the tip of the island on its way south for winter. They use their long curved bill to probe for worms and other invertebrates (spearing?) crayfish, frogs and other shoreline morsels.

Seasonal drop-ins flock to the lake heading north for breeding or south, in this case, for the winter. Sampling whatever fish might be available, they work to corral their feast on the surface rather than dive. With a wing span of 95–120 inches, they are the highest soaring bird for their weight. White Pelicans inhabit inland lakes breeding in Canada and wintering in southern California or as far south as Costa Rica. Their black tipped wings make them recognizable in flight when they are low enough to be visible.

There are many species of sandpipers. As the most widespread of all in North America, Spotted Sandpipers have odd habits of breeding and bobbing. The female has relations with multiple males but settles with one (polyandry). She stakes out and defends the territory. The male tends to the nest and the young. Its teetering motion is not really understood so it gets nicknames...

Nonbreeding are without spots.

We see the Green Heron stalking along the rocky shoreline for tiny fish, frogs and insects. They can stretch their neck out to look like a different bird! This one just captured a dragon fly.

The Belted Kingfisher perches high in bushes and trees before landing a fish. The female has a rusty color belt across her chest. You might see one resting on the fence next to the boat dock.

This young bald eagle made a spectacle of himself devouring the fish. We spectators watched the catch then fly up to a branch and methodically consume each bite. Bald eagles also prey on grebes, coots and buffleheads.