April 14, 2013: Red-breasted Merganser

This male Red-breasted Merganser is one of three merganser species that are migrating through our area.  The other two are the Hooded and Common Mergansers. 4/8/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

April 13, 2013: Wilson's Phalarope

This female Wilson's Phalarope was found feeding on the south lake, near a large group of Northern Shovelers.  Phalaropes are shorebirds and are unique in that the females are larger and more brightly colored than the males.  They feed on the water, often spinning around, stirring up the larvae, crustaceans, and insects that they feed upon.  [This is a digiscoped photograph.] 4/12/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

April 12, 2013: Sunset on a Cloudy Day

Sun sets on a cloudy April evening, looking west-sothwest from east shore of south lake. 4/7/13 (Kevin Kane)

April 11, 2013: Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Ducks finally showed up last week. This female (1 of 2) was found on the 3rd on the north lake. 4/3/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

April 10, 2013: Common Loon

This Common Loon, in breeding plumage, was 1 of 3 found on the main lakes on Thursday (4/4). A dive normally lasts less than a minute, but can go as long as 3 minutes (under certain conditions). However, don't expect to see the loon pop up near where it went under. They can cover great distances. 4/4/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

April 9, 2013: Bufflehead

This drake Bufflehead was one of more than 23 present on the south lake on the 1st.  Buffleheads are small ducks that nest in woodlands near lakes and ponds.  They constantly dive.  Females are duller and have a horizontal white patch on each cheek. 4/1/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

April 8, 2013: North End Development

"Quarry Estates" will be the new development on the northwest corner of the park.  See this link to read more about it.  The hills to the north and west will soon look far different from down on the lake with large houses ringing the park boundary.  Imagine yesterday's photo with houses lining the hills in the background.