Apr 30, 2014: April 2014 Photo Collage

April 2014 photos from the blog by Wolf. Oesterreich, Kevin Kane, and Erv Klaas. 

Apr 29, 2014: Great Egrets

8 Great Egrets in a tree on the bluff, 4/29/14, 8:30am (Kevin Kane)

This note came from AHHP Friend Zora Zimmerman:

At just about 7:00 p.m. today (4/28/14), Tom and I watched --- from the west parking lot at Ada Hayden --- 8 great egrets landing on the sandbar on the north shoreline of the western end of the south lake below the hill and west of the creek near the shelter. They were joined by a small flock of white pelicans (9 to 12 individuals) who landed next to them. I am guessing they will spend the night there and stay until the winds and rains change. It was drizzling when we were there. Seeing these glorious white birds together was a real pleasure.

You probably have spotted them already, but I wanted to record our own sighting.

Best,
Zora

Apr 28, 2014: 2013 Avian Summary

Goldfinch. 8/14/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

For 2013, a total of 200 avian species (plus 5 sp.) was recorded, ranking this year as the 3rd highest in 17 years of records.  This total is 10 species more than 2012.  Disregarding the first year (consists of only December), the range of totals run from 128 species (1998) to 206 species (2011).  Four species (Red-throated Loon, Swainson's Hawk, Golden Eagle, & Say's Phoebe) were added to my List, which is now at 264 species.  Again, Fall migration didn't live up to expectations, especially with much of the wetlands being dry.  Notably absent this year included: scoters, Least Bittern, dowitches, Red-headed Woodpecker, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle.

Apr 27, 2014: Lightning Strike

During one of the early morning thunderstorms today (27th) a tree located just west of the main shelter was struck by lightning.  Tree shards were strewn across the trail. 4/27/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 26, 2014: Bloodroot

So far the only place I have seen Bloodroot at the park is at the narrow strip of woods between the trail and Dawes Drive (SE corner of the south lake), just opposite the spillway.  A few small patches are present. 4/25/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 25, 2014: Greening Up

An eastward view along the north slope, as viewed from the NW corner of the Upland Trail. 4/20/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 24, 2014: White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrows should be passing through so check your bushes and trees.  One could be scurrying about below. 4/20/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)