Great Egret

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.

Great Blue Heron

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.

White-Faced Ibis (nonbreeding)

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.

American White Pelican

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.

Spotted Sandpiper

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.

Green Heron

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.

Belted Kingfisher

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.

Bald Eagle (Juvenile)

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.

Snowy Egret

The Snowy Egret has a unique method for stirring up food. His golden slippers under black legs sifts threw the shallow bottom. Its graceful flight takes him to reeded areas, rocky shores and sometime up in the oaks.

Canada Goose

Considering Canada Geese mate for 20 years or until one dies, that might be better than most humans! They are great at breeding finding spots all over the lake for nests, especially on the island. If you find flight feathers all over the park, they molt or shed them while the goslings reach adulthood. They are unable to fly so we see them grazing along the trail or swimming transforming the vegetation into stepping obstacles.

Male Mallard

Often seen paired with another male vying for a female, mallards are common but can be very entertaining. They also exhibit a degree of violence during mating season.

Killdeer

Usually seen in pairs with loud repetitive calls. Watch where you step… they lay their eggs on the ground among rocks. A favorite spot is above the lagoon near the protective cyclone fence in front of the path that faces the maintenance office.

Mute Swans

A pair of Mute Swans with fluffy new cygnets.

American Coot

These birds are common around lakes and sloughs where tules and reeds provide cover. Groups of one hundred at a time are present in the spring with American Wigeon.

Double-Crested Cormorant

Note the jewel colored eye.
They catch fish and swallow them whole as this one did! The cottonwood tree at the end of the peninsula is where they roost in groups of as many as two dozen. The odor of fish is strong under the tree white with droppings.

Double-Crested Cormorant

These birds like to occupy the turtle rock where they raise their wings to dry out. Their feathers must be compact for deep diving since they do not produce oil like ducks and geese.

Green Heron

Young Green Heron stretching its neck.