Black River Notes

Black River Notes (2012)

September 25, 2012

Well, no flying saucers, no polar bears, no campaign speeches at Black River today, just the usual creatures. On the other hand, I guess there was something a little unusual today. Wow! Three herons (1-5). I am encouraged that multiple herons continue to value Black River as a place of refuge.

In the duck world, I saw a few gadwalls and a female hooded merganser, but it is mostly mallards and wood ducks (6-9). There are something like 20-30 mallards and 15-20 wood ducks.

As I said, no dragons or otherwise, but we did happen on a few small birds along the way, such as the chickadee, the downy, the towhee, the bushtits, and the hummingbird.

September 18, 2012

At Black River today, one each of both brands of heron....blue and green. The blue heron was seen first in the Waterworks Garden after just landing in a fir tree up the hill (1). Next, he was in the far corner of the Black River pond (2). At day’s end he was seen hunting in another section of the pond (3). He caught a little something, but everything counts, I guess (4). The green heron was the usual juvenile who didn’t favor us with a close encounter. However, we did get to see him snag his favorite food, a dragonfly (5-6).

On the pond, wood ducks are still abundant, with many of the males approaching full breeding plumage (7-10). There was also a lone pied-billed grebe (11). Nothing wanted to pay us a close visit today. Not too many of them this summer.

And now a floral interlude from the Waterworks grotto.......another mystery flower cluster (12).

To finish, here are a few of the other birds we chased....one of many bushtits (13), one of a few black-capped chickadees (14), and a female flicker (15).

Last of all, a female flicker from my backyard cedar this morning.....through the glass door (16).

September 11, 2012

Juvenile green herons just seem to be stealing the show everywhere lately. There was roaming the pond today at Black River. When I first saw him he was out the back channel about 300 feet away (1-2). Later he came into Duck Land, the pond area adjacent to what we call the main viewing area.....where the great blue herons used to nest, and hopefully will again. He gave us a few minutes before darting into the overhang at the far shore (3-5).

We also a blue heron. It seems obvious he has adopted BR as his territory. He flew in around 4:00 and went to his favorite area (6). We had a hard time finding him but Bernie came through.

Now, Duck Land (7), where most of the ducks are, and they are mostly mallards and wood ducks (8). Some of the males are getting pretty colorful now (9-10).

Over in the Waterworks, chickadees were on the rampage in the fir trees and poplars near the large pond (11-13). They (the County.....not the chickadees!) had drained all of the small ponds and have been doing a lot of cleanup of the bottom of the ponds and clearing drainage ducts. They are now draining the large pond. The small ponds are beginning to fill again. The highest of the ponds is at near-normal depth. I saw a kingfisher hovering over it as though he thought there might be fish in it. I couldn’t catch the kingfisher but I did get a song sparrow on one of the overflow drains, finding tiny critters in the openings (14-15).

September 4, 2012

I was solo today at Black River but I had a little luck. The herons were easy to find. We had two great blue herons (1-3). Later, the first relocated to a tree in the vicinity of the second and they coexisted nicely.

While looking for a green heron a juvenile flew into my “lap” and landed on the closest small island, a favorite place of theirs (4-5). He stayed about ten minutes and was off again (6). (You know what they say about “half a loaf”!)

On the pond, many ducks, mostly mallards and wood ducks. The males are well into molting into breeding plumage, such as the male mallard in #7. We had a great wood duck crop this year. I would guess there could be around 20 hanging around right now. In the photo set (8-12) you see them lounging, preening, splashing, and cavorting.

Down along Springbrook Creek, the annual Chickadee Blackberry Festival is underway (13-14). These are the only photos in this set taken with the old Canon SX30. The SX40 is on its way to the Canon repair depot in Virginia. Hurry back, Guy!

Over in the Waterworks things were pretty quiet. Just the female flicker up the hill (15) and the Grotto Junco (16). The junco wasn’t actually in the grotto but, technically speaking, he was close and soon actually flew through it. Besides, the title was too good to pass up.

On my way to Black River a very odd thing happened. As I slowed for the light at the bottom of the plateau on Sahalee Way, at SR 202, an osprey with a fish flew over head at low altitude, headed east. That’s the direction of Broadmoor Estates, where they used to nest at John and Ellen’s house. This makes me wonder if the have relocated to some other site in the area. I’ll have to look closer next year.

And, oh yeah, we saw an osprey make a low pass up and down the Black River pond last week.

August 30, 2012

Mary and I tried Black River this afternoon, hoping for a repeat on finding migrating birds. We might have. At least it was a different cast in a different area. But first, one of two great blue herons seen at the pond today (1).

The geography was reversed today. The birds were mostly at the Waterworks Garden in early afternoon. BR was relatively dead. First in the Waterworks, a swallowtail butterfly interested in mud (2). There were two uncommon birds today.....not rare, just not seen often by us Black River visitors. First is a warbling vireo (3-5). Second, willow flycatchers, the last of which has a ladybug (6-9). I made my best guess on these. I’ll leave it to Mike West and anyone else who wants to chime in, to see if I need to change the names.

The flycatchers and vireos were mixed in with bushtits and chickadees. The next two photos show both brands of chickadee (10-11).

Finally, back to the Black River pond. I’m sure you all remember the story about the race between the tortoise and the wood duck (12). Right?

I have labeled all the photos taken with the Canon SX40 and I was pretty happy with them. The Nikon P510 arrived late this afternoon while I was at Black River. The battery is charging right now. These SX40 photos tonight are what it has to beat, not just equal, if it is to remain in my house come Monday. I have taken just a couple of hasty shots with each at home and there is a chance it will be a keeper. Lots more to look at. I am being reminded of all the things I used to not like about the Nikon menu system. Now I gotta go to work. I’m sure tomorrow’s email will come exclusively from the P510, for better or for worse.

August 28, 2012

It was a very unusual day at Black River today. We found the smaller birds traveling together in a super-group, always near the pond or along Springbrook Creek. Besides the usual birds, there were at least five strangers, seldom seen at Black River. Our guess (me, Bob, Bernie, and Mary) is that we are seeing the fall migration underway, that these birds are passing through on their way south. We plan to go to BR again on Thursday to try to stay with the wave.

The first photo is also of something not often seen at Black River.....a juvenile river otter (1). He came up within about ten feet of me three times, splashing and diving each time. While he was up he was giving me close scrutiny. I have seen enough river otter to be sure this guy is about half-size...definitely a juvenile.

On to the migrators that I got. First, an olive-sided flycatcher, from closer than I have ever been (60 feet?) (2-4). He was in the dead tree that the Cooper’s hawks have been favoring this summer (but not today). Next, in the same tree, a female western tanager (5). Later I saw one in close proximity to a flicker in a dead tree on on an island in the pond (6). We probably saw 3-4 tanagers this afternoon. No males that I noticed. In the interior of a tree near the main viewing area I caught a Swainson’s thrush (7). Since they are both thrushes, and both have a speckled front, you might confuse him with a juvenile robin this time of year. For comparison, a juvenile robin is next (8), also taken at Black River today. Bernie got a shot of a willow flycatcher......not uncommon in this area, but uncommon at Black River. We also saw a vireo. Who knows what we missed. Of the common birds traveling in this group were chickadees (8-9), many robins, bushtits, Bewick’s wrens, a downy, and maybe a hairy woodpecker. I’ve probably forgotten something. We are looking forward to trying again on Thursday.

Next, down to the pond, where there are still a number of wood ducks (11-14)......and mallards (14-15). #15 illustrates the difference between the male and the female mallard in non-breeding plumage, though this male is just beginning to transition. He has a yellowish bill, hers is orangish.

And finally, we can’t forget our local heron (16). We heard he make a squawking landing far across the pond. He was partially hidden but Bernie finally found him

August 23, 2012

A lot of the fun at Black River today was actually in the Waterworks Garden large pond, so we’ll start there: a green heron, stalking dragonflies (1-3). I just knew he was going to get one. I waited and waited but finally gave up. I must be losing my endurance. While twiddling my thumbs over the green heron, the first muskrat swam past him and went to the left shore to munch (4-6). Then another muskrat appeared that went to the right shore (7-9). It dozed a little, ate a little, and moved on. It’s so ironic. Sometimes you walk so far and so long hoping for even a song sparrow. Today, I had two muskrats and a green heron at the same time and only one scope.

Also in the Waterworks, a feeding frenzy of bushtits and chickadees (10-13).

Headed back to Black River, along Springbrook Creek, the preening chickadee and the flicker (14-16).

Back at Black river, lots of wood ducks (17-18), many of which are maturing ducklings from this spring’s crop. Also, a very young pied-billed grebe and its mother (19).

Now, some unusual birds (for Black River) at the pond. About this time every year we have a couple of spotted sandpipers. They don’t stay very long. Today there was just this one (20). And we have another “odd” duck (21)....not the same one as last week. That one clearly had some Muscovy in him. This one seems not to. I am guessing he is a mallard – cinnamon teal hybrid. If anyone else has a guess, let me know.

August 14, 2012

You know what they say.....Only mad dogs and Texans go out in the midday sun.....or something like that. How hot was it? It was so hot I violated the connoisseur’s code and put my red wine in the refrigerator. Since I am not a connoisseur I can do that with impunity. But I digress.....

On to Black River where we had herons again, all kinds. First, the great blue herons, of which there were at least two (1-3). The last photo of the day is of the third taking off (4). Well, most of him....I tried.

There was at least one green heron, this one down in the mud flats near the beaver lodge (5-8). In #8, he has interrupted his hunting to watch one of several attacks made by a Cooper’s hawk on a pair of belted kingfishers. He had no luck and the kingfishers decided the opposite end of the pond had a strong appeal.

A hundred feet or so from the green heron action, down a ways along Springbrook Creek, a pack of black-capped chickadees were stalking ripe blackberries (9-11). They were accompanied by the first golden-crowned kinglet I have seen in months (12).

Enough of the birds. It’s on to the insect world. First, also along Springbrook Creek, and on the same common tansy bush......a bee (13) and a copper butterfly (14). And over in the Waterworks Garden....the red dragonfly (15).

Enough of insects. It’s on to the plant kingdom and the mountain ash in full bloom along Springbrook Creek (16). Apparently the berries are not yet ripe enough to be of interest to the birds.

August 7, 2012

Since I finished with a Cooper’s hawk yesterday, I’ll start with them today at Black River. There were two juveniles. Maybe there was an adult around.....I’m not sure. One of the juveniles was on the popular snag, crying out often (1-2). Later he was joined by a sibling in the air (3-5).

Small birds, the usual targets of the Cooper’s hawks, are next. The black-capped chickadee is, in fact, not far from the hawk on the snag, but he had no problem with the hawk. The goldfinch is picking greenery from one of the small ponds in the Waterworks Garden (7-9). Whether for food or for nest material, I don’t know.

On the pond, wood ducks, mature and immature, are a common sight (10-11). However, there was a very uncommon sight at Black River......the Muscovy hybrid (12).

You might remember that last week I sent nothing but green heron photos from Black River. This week, the first bird I saw was actually a green heron, but he zipped by in flight. I never saw another one. Instead, there was a fledgling great blue heron. He has a little fuzz on top and has landed in an unlikely location, as the young ones are apt to do. (By the way, in #14 he is about 250 feet across the pond. I thought the scope did a pretty good job.)

Last from Black River today.....some shrubbery. Butterfly bushes are in full bloom now (15).

For the finale, we go to my house this morning, where I had two band-tailed pigeon visitors (16-17). At least I think those are pigeon feet on the right in #17.

July 31, 2012

It’s been a long time since I sent a “herons only” email from Black River. I saw two great blue herons at Black River today but they don’t appear in these photos. This is a shocker. It’s all green herons today....from the Waterworks Garden and Black River.

Starting at the Waterworks, the first green heron seen, an adult, is hunting on the big pond (1). He was very active, first grabbing a blue dragonfly (2). Soon after, we see a great attack, scoring a perfect ten for style points (3), but nevertheless coming up empty handed (4). After that miss, he decides to move on (5). When we (Bob, Bernie, and I) passed by again, he had some good luck with a gold fish (6).

Now we moved back to Black River, where Bernie spotted an adult in the far corner of the pond. Soon after, she found a juvenile on the small island in the middle of the pond (7-9). Then the adult came closer to land on the same small island, facing us (10). Before long both the juvenile and the adult moved to be close together (11). Next, the adult took off (12) and moved to a snag in the middle of the pond (13). It then moved to a nearby log and was joined by the juvenile (14). The juvenile spotted a snack (15) and came up with a small fish (16). And finally, as we left them, the adult and juvenile still sharing the l
og (17).

It looks like, at least for the next few weeks or so, Black River is the place to go to see green herons.

July 17, 2012

These are mostly from the Waterworks Garden but I shall start with Black River, where I encountered two juvenile Cooper’s hawks along Springbrook Creek (1-5). In recent weeks, you may recall, I have been sending photos of an adult Cooper’s hawk in the same tree. No adult today.....just these two guys.

Also at Black River, on the pond.....a couple of gadwall ducklings. I think they are. Maybe they are mallards. I don’t know! Mike West suggests that those in #9 from last week are gadwalls, rather than mallards. These probably are, too. Sometimes Sibley and I don’t resonate very well.

Now it’s over to the Waterworks Garden, starting with a little scenery. First, the monolith-lined walkway by the uppermost pond (8). Next, three shots of flowers and berries (9-11). There is a chance I actually named these right!

Sticking with the non-birds....first, a dragonfly (12). Next, today’s entertainment. Two long-tailed weasels were in a wrestling match near the upper pond (13-14). I assume they are juveniles, assuming this was play, but I don’t know. And next time, I promise to use a faster shutter speed.

Now for the birds. The adult male Anna’s near the upper pond has been supplanted by a juvenile (15). In the small pond just below the upper-most pond, goldfinches were spending time futzing with the slime at the bottom, now that it is mostly drained. I don’t know if they are finding food or nest material, but I suspect the latter.

And finally, the herons. One blue heron seen today, in the Waterworks Garden (18). (Although Bob and Bernie saw one in the Black River pond earlier. Maybe the same one as this one). And one green heron. I unintentionally spooked him three times in the large, lower pond. The first two times he flew away. The third time he flew to the trees at the far side of the pond, hoping to see me slip and fall into the pond. Maybe next time, Greenie!

July 11, 2012

Relatively speaking, this email has an overload of herons. We made it “Black River Wednesday” today, instead of Tuesday, and found at least three great blue herons. “We” is me, Bob, Bernie, Mary, and Gaby, a friend of hers from Germany on the last day of her visit in the US. There were two adult herons that we are sure (1-2). Much later, a third was seen but I suspect it was one of the other two on a rerun (3). The third confirmed sighting was a boost to our spirits.....a relatively recent fledgling (4). I would guess he is two weeks, give or take, out of the nest. He wasn’t hatched at Black River, but perhaps nearby. It is tempting to get romantic about this and speculate that Dad has brought him to Black River to show off his old stomping grounds. Maybe there is hope for a return of the colony next year.

Hold on for one more heron....this one, green (5). We have seen adult green herons in the Waterworks Garden two weeks in a row. We believe they nest in a pond a block down the street. I expect to see juveniles before long in the Waterworks, and later at Black River.

Down along Springbrook Creek, the adult Cooper’s hawk was again in the same old snag across the creek (6). And not far from him, the bushtit nest is a beehive. There are obviously large babies inside that are quite active, judging from the shaking of the nest. The parents are often seen bringing food (7).

On the Black River pond I was surprised to see an upsurge in mallard ducklings compared with last week (8-9). And also on the pond, there was a completely unexpected juvenile. Bernie and I have been lamenting how we have seen no pied-billed grebes, young or old, on the pond this year. Just as we started for our cars, she spotted the juvenile in #10. We have yet to see an adult. Obviously, this guy was delivered by the stork to a mallard mother. About #11. Often, grebes dive head first like the diving ducks. But sometimes they expel air and just sink like a submarine. That’s what you see in this one.

July 3, 2012

It was a four heron day today. The first three are great blue herons at Black River (1-3). After seeing the third, Mary Roller and I made a quick check back on the other two and they were still in their places. I assume these three adults have completed their nesting season and their fledglings are on their own. These three adults have apparently chosen Black River as a destination resort for R&R.

The fourth heron was not blue, but green, and he was at the large pond in the Waterworks Garden (4-5). This is where we most often see green herons, especially the fledglings. This all serves to introduce an interesting discussion we had with the guy in charge of the Waterworks Garden (who was mowing the grass at the time). He stopped to tell us that he will be draining the ponds next week and they will remain dry until the next wet season in Fall. The Waterworks Garden is part of the King County Waste Water Treatment Plant. He has worked there for thirty years. The gardens have been there for seventeen, I believe he said. They drain the ponds every year for maintenance but usually leave the big pond full. This time there are plugged drains that need attention so the big one will be drained down to a depth of two feet. Evaporation will eventually bring it to zero. In the meantime herons will have a field-day with frogs and goldfish that are resident there. They really want to get rid of the goldfish because they have to prevent them from getting into Springbrook Creek and on into the Duwamish River. He knows several photographers besides me who will be haunting the pond after the drainage begins next Tuesday.

Another comment he made was that I should not tell him if I see beavers at Black River because he would have to report it to the Water Engineering Corp (not the official name) and they would come trap them. I told him I thought I had seen one last week but I was drunk at the time, so who could say!

Staying in the gardens, one week later the waxwing pack is still on a bug-eating binge at the upper ponds (6-9). You actually have to dodge them now and then. In with the waxwings was the goldfinch (10). I think he has the right idea. That has to be easier than chasing tiny bugs.

Back to Black River, passing along Springbrook Creek, we again encounter the adult Cooper’s hawk in the same old snag across the creek (11-14). He was very vocal again this week.

And finally, in that same section of the trail, the bushtits are in high gear with this second batch of the spring from that nest. The parents are obviously bringing food to feed babies, such as dad in #15.

June 26, 2012

On to Black River where there were again two herons, both adults, both hunting. The first seen is in #6. Along the main trail were the song sparrow (7) and the female Anna’s (8). Over in the Waterworks Garden there was a gazillion waxwings (9-11) in a feeding frenzy, darting around a few feet above the surface of a couple of ponds, chasing insects too small to be seen by me.

Back to Black River where a Cooper’s hawk spent a lot time today in a dead tree across Springbrook Creek (12-13). We have been seeing this guy pretty regularly over the last few weeks.

To finish, it’s more babies, starting with the mallard and wood ducklings in #14. Next, bushtits, who are going to make more babies in the nest in #15. This is the nest we first saw under construction on March 27. It is the same one that Ellen used in the Birdnote announcement. The first crop of babies fledged some time ago. The same parents, presumably, are actively going in and out last week and this. You see the tail feathers of one going in in #15. I learned tonight that it is common for bushtits to have two broods per year. Now I know that may also use the same nest. This one has survived the spring in fine shape. Also, one of the adults is seen nearby in #16.

Finally, almost back to the car, I discovered that tree swallows did not abandon the Black River meadow after all. One of two babies is seen in #17.

June 18, 2012

Circumstances dictated a Black River visit today, rather than tomorrow. Gray, windy, cool, a little rain. Aaaagh! I can’t stand it any more. Fortunately, there were a few birds that haven’t headed south yet.

At Black River, we caught today’s heron mugging a tiny fish (1-3). I wish him better luck next time. Also on the BR pond, a mother wood duck is seen with one of her two offspring (4-5). And two mallard ducklings that we spooked are racing in the rain to find their mother on the far side of the pond (6-7). Down the creek trail, the female Anna’s hummer was occasionally working the blackberry blossoms (8-9). Not far from there was the song sparrow (10).

Over in the Waterworks Garden, duckweed in a small pool in the grotto (11-12). It is said that waterfowl like this stuff and that it is good for them. So, speaking of waterfowl, though they aren’t eating duckweed, there are the dabbling mallards and the gadwall in one of the small upper ponds (13-14). And waxwings are being seen frequently in that same area of the Waterworks (15-16). Before these photos, we had spooked a great blue heron in one of the lower ponds. Later we saw him high above the gardens (17).

June 12, 2012

Black River. Wow! No rain. Just some brief sprinkles.

First, the “non-birds”......a Western Tiger Swallowtail (1-2) and tent caterpillars (3). We couldn’t understand why there weren’t birds mobbing the caterpillars.

It was a two-heron day at Black River (4-5). Two adults....both foraging.

Over in the Waterworks Garden......the white-crowned sparrow (6) and the cedar waxwings (7-8).

Along the Black River pond trail.....the song sparrow (9), the chickadee with a worm (10), and the bushtit with a feather (11). The bushtit is in the same small tree which held the bushtit nest that I took closeups of. It seems they might be going to make another run at a nest.

And today’s stars.....lots of ducklings on the Black River pond. We saw a wood duck mother with two ducklings, but they escaped me. But I did get the mallard babies speeding to catch up to Mom (12-13) and the gadwall family (14-16).

June 5, 2012

It was slim pickens at Black River this afternoon, mostly because of today’s weather, as in #1. The difference between him and me is that he didn’t care. Though it was raining lightly, I started out with my scope and did have some luck. But, before too long I had to trade it in for an umbrella.

Anyway, and nevertheless, etc., here is the crop.....a male Anna’s above the meadow trail (2-3), a female rufous along the pond trail (4), a Bewick’s wren near the pond (5), the Cooper’s hawk with prey (6), the crow who brought more rain (7), the mallard mother and duckling (8), and the red-tailed hawk far away in the “old” eagle tree (9). We did finally see a beaver today, after many weeks of missing them. This one was a big adult, but he escaped the camera. While at the pond edge looking for him I saw the wood ducks (10.

And last of all, a view of a slippery trail from the pond to the meadow above. The grass up there is really long now, and with the rain we have had, you would need a wet suit to go up there. Another reason for the paucity of bird shots. Maybe next time.....

May 29, 2012

It was a very pleasant day at Black River today (for a change) and some good things came along. There were three first-seen’s for the spring at Black River......the red-eyed vireo (1), the female rufous (2), and the western wood-pewee (3-5). I almost decided on a willow flycatcher but settled on a wood-pewee. I’ll let you know if Mike West (or anyone else) makes me change the captions.

Also new at Black River, the mallard ducklings (6-7). And above Black River, another demented crow attacks a red-tailed hawk (8-9). Nothing new there.

Over in the Waterworks Garden....some pretty things, such as the swallowtail butterfly (10), the mystery plant (11), the waxwing (12), and the male Anna’s at the top of the hill (13-14).

May 22, 2012

It was raining when I left home. It was raining when I got back home. It was raining when I got to Black River (1). It was raining when I left. But, for around an hour it stopped and some good things happened. However, expecting rain, I left my scope at home, so these are all taken with the SX40 camera.

Now, about the fledgling. My guess is that the Black River forest across the pond has produced a fledgling this year. However, it’s not what we were originally hoping for. I believe it is the progeny of the red-tailed hawks first seen nesting at the back of the former heron nests on March 20. If we assume they might have begun incubation as much as a week earlier, then it would be 70 days to today. The Smithsonian birdbook says that is about the minimum time for incubation and nest-time. Thus, it is plausible that the juvenile red-tail in #2-4 is indeed the product of that nest. Mary Roller first spotted him making an uncertain landing in a tree in the Waterworks Garden. Considering that the flight photos were with him over Black River, I am persuaded that that is his home. You will undoubtedly notice his raggedy feathers, but he seemed to be doing ok. The crows chasing him were just baptizing him and weren’t really cruel.

At first, with the rain, the photo situation appeared desparate, so I tried desparation shots of swallows over the pond (5-7). Later, in the Waterworks Garden I got a real chance at a violet-green swallow. These were taken an hour apart. This lone swallow was hunting over a very small pond in the upper section, maybe 30 feet across. He would occasionally rest on a bush at one end (8-9). In the pond beneath him as he darted about was the Momma mallard and her lone duckling (10-11).

Until the rain stopped we had been seeing zip for birds. When it stopped it was as if gates had been opened. During this period we saw the first cedar waxwings at the Waterworks this year (12-13). Right below them was the female goldfinch (14).

Back over to Black River, we saw the only ducklings there today (15). However, there were many male mallards milling around on the pond so I expect numerous clutches of ducklings to soon appear.

With rain threatening again, we headed for our cars. Along the way we encountered the song sparrow (16). And fifty feet from my car, with light rain underway, the male Anna’s bid us goodbye (17).

May 15, 2012

Beautiful weather at Black River today. Just one heron seen.....actually at the big pond in the Waterworks Garden. However, he saw me first, so no picture.

Just as I reached the pond from my car, I saw the momma mallard with very small ducklings (1). (There were two more that didn’t squeeze in). We saw two groups like this at Black River. What was disturbing was that there were none over in the Waterworks. Two weeks ago I sent a photo of a Cooper’s hawk with prey. Bernie figured out, and I agree, it was a duckling (or a gosling). Maybe that explains it. Those little guys at Black River better watch out.

We are down to mallards, gadwalls, and wood ducks now. All migrating ducks are gone. Males and a female of the wood ducks are in #2-3. I would have thought she would be on a nest by now.

The only bird from the Waterworks is the song sparrow (4). It was again a little dead over there. In the Black River meadow, the tree swallows are starting to show interest in the nest boxes (5). The bushtit nest around the bend from the main viewing area seems to be doing ok. The adults were busy collecting food for babies in the nest (6). In #7, you see only the tail feathers sticking out as a delivery is made. Meanwhile, maybe twenty feet from the bushtit nest, a female Anna’s was concentrating on the tree blossoms (8-10).

Leaving the bird world temporarily, dragonflies are now a common sight (11). There are also lots of new flowers arriving along the Springbrook Creek trail (12-13) and in the Waterworks (14-16).

To finish, we return to the bird world and raptors. As we witnessed two weeks ago and again today, a bald eagle was seen high in the sky in the vicinity of the red-tailed hawk nest. Unlike the herons, a red-tailed adult is aware and interjects itself at a lower altitude between the eagle and the nest. However, some of you might remember the mysterious disappearance of the red-tailed nestlings at Stillwater last year. I am still very suspicious of eagle involvement in that situation.

May 1, 2012

Now on to Black River where we had two, maybe three herons. The first two photos are of adults and they may, in fact, be the same bird (1-2). They were taken almost three hours apart. If it’s the same bird, he is hanging around Black River a lot. The mystery, though, concerns the third bird, an immature great blue heron seen in #3-7. He has no white crown at all. I admittedly am not sure at what age a white crown begins to appear, so it could be that this is a yearling. However, Mary Roller and I saw him make a shaky landing in a very unlikely place for a yearling or adult heron. Followed by a shaky takeoff. Followed by another attempted landing that was aborted at the other end of the pond. These photos are very reminiscent of the many fledgling heron photos that I have taken. Any opinions are welcome as to his likely age.

Now a quick change of pace to raptors. We can’t begin to see the red-tail nest anymore because of the leaves but the odds are that it is intact. An adult red-tail was in the air overhead several times today (8). On one occasion he was between the nest and a juvenile eagle that was above him. We also saw two Cooper’s hawk that were being quite vocal. Bernie was able to locate one of them, which the photo showed to have partially eaten prey (9). It may be that there was a squabble over it.

There can be no more quibbling over the arrival of spring. We saw the first mallard ducklings over at the Waterworks Garden (10). And the first goslings on the Black River pond (11-12). The goose in a frenzy (13) may just be elated over not having to sit on eggs any more this year.

And hummingbirds, four different male Anna’s in #14-17. They have taken over and still outnumber the herons. Other small birds included are the chickadee, the yellow-rumped warbler, and the bushtit (18-20).

And finally, a grey squirrel on a health-food kick......eating sumac seeds instead of sunflower seeds at somebody’s bird feeder.

April 24, 2012

Mary Roller and I were on heron-watch duty this afternoon at Black River. We saw either one, two, or three herons. Since Mary is a mathematician, we’ll express it as 2 ± 1 herons. The interesting thing, though, was that I imagined that one of them had emerged from the nest area. However, after watching for maybe an hour and not seeing any entries or exits, I decided that it was just my imagination. We’ll keep watching. And, by the way, no ospreys have yet taken to the new nest platform on the water treatment plant grounds.

Well, I never imagined that, on an April Tuesday, hummingbirds would constitute the majority of the bird pictures, but that’s the way it was. So here they are: from the Black River meadow (1-3), from the Springbrook Creek trail (4), and from the Waterworks Garden (5-6). Speaking of the Waterworks Garden, #7 is a view along the wetland trail.

Now to the small birds. I have again embarrassed myself on bird ID. I told Mary and another visitor that the many swallows we were seeing were mostly tree swallows. However, alarm bells were ringing in my head. When I checked photo #8 when I got home, I discovered that they were mostly violet-green swallows. Win some, lose some.

A group of yellow-rumped warblers were busy working the trees along the Black River main trail. I had a devil of a time pinning them down and had to settle for #9. Bushtits were frequently seen, as well (10), but not near the two known nests. Presumably, incubation is ongoing. The nests both seem complete and intact.

Last of the smaller birds, a belted kingfisher made a short stay (11).

We still have some wintering ducks around......ring-neckeds, buffleheads, GW teals, and scaups. The most obliging of them today was a lesser scaup pair (12-15). Not very obliging at all was the reclusive wood duck on the far side of the pond. I also heard and saw females, as well. Perhaps we will again have wood ducklings.

April 17, 2012

This was the only day this week with a good forecast......partly sunny this afternoon. The rain started at 2:30 and was still going at 5:30 when we left. Tomorrow, I am headed for the Skagit. The good news is that there is a 70% chance for showers. We will probably be in sun glasses all day. Bummer! Good light takes all the challenge out of it.

Meanwhile, at Black River, rampages were underway. Those rascal beavers have done it again (1). This one is about 75 feet, give or take. We waited quite awhile for a beaver to show up and do something. It’s frustrating because we know that next week, the tree will be mostly stripped while we are away.

In #2, the goose is on a rampage. Whether on offense, defense, or courting, I do not know.

The hummingbirds are not on a rampage but there a lot of them around, all Anna’s. We still haven’t seen a rufous there this spring. The first four (3-6) are of two males, the first three in the Black River meadow, the fourth in the upper Waterworks Garden. The next two (7-8) are of a female at the red-flowering currant at the main viewing area.

We discovered a new bushtit nest at the viewing area (9).....unnoticed last week. We also saw two bushtits still gathering to complete construction. One of the two is seen in #10-11.

Along another section of the pond trail we saw a male downy being picky (12-14). Get it? Being picky?.......forget it........

There is still a good variety of wintering ducks on the pond......green-winged teals, a northern shoveler, buffleheads, and lesser scaups. Shots of a male and female scaup are included (15-16).

And finally, flora! In the Waterworks Garden. It’s Euphorbia....ID courtesy of Bernie.

April 10, 2012

First, about herons. There was one (1). Mary Roller may have seen another, but it could have been the same one. None of it matters. There is no hint of nesting activity. I think it’s too late now for this year. However, as history has shown, and nothing much has changed, Black River is too well suited as habitat for nesting herons to be ignored indefinitely. They just need to rediscover it. Perhaps next year.

No ospreys have yet adopted the new nest platform at the water treatment plant. It’s getting late for that but it’s not hopeless yet. As far as we know, the red-tailed hawk nest in the old heron colony is well and on schedule. However, the leaves have now made it difficult to know what is going on.

And now for today. There was a good variety of ducks on the pond but the only ones I am sending are the bufflehead pair out of water (2). In my bufflehead watching, it has been unusual to see them out of water. In fact, this may be the only shot I have of a male out of water.

Few herons, but lots of hummingbirds. A few years ago I never thought I would see more hummingbirds at Black River than herons. We still haven’t seen any rufous there. We did see a female Anna’s, but these photos are of three different male Anna’s. The first three (3-5) are of a male at the viewing area at Black River. #6 is at the top of the hill in the Waterworks Garden and #7 is in the BR meadow near the parking lot.

The bushtit pair are still working on their nest and they were very busy for a period this afternoon, as seen in #8-14. Staying with busy birds, next is a black-capped chickadee working on new tree growth (15-16). Not so busy was the male belted kingfisher. In fact, I think he was the least-busy kingfisher I have ever seen. He was on that perch across the pond for around a half hour.

The last bird in the set was quite busy. It’s the red-tailed Pop (probably), fending off mobbing crows (18-19).

Last of all, leaving the bird world, but not the flying world, it’s a bumble bee working on blooming Oregon Grape.

April 2, 2012

We had a good time and good luck with small birds at Black River this afternoon. Let’s start with a male Anna’s hummingbird in the Waterworks Garden (1-2). The most amazing encounter was at the Black River main view viewing area where another male Anna’s landed about ten feet from us and facing directly toward us (3-5). Ten feet is right at the near-focus for my Leica scope. As time passed, he moved around a lot, but no showed no anxiety over us, allowing me to pick up another couple of shots (6-7).

Down the trail, around the bend, the bushtit pair was continuing working on their nest, the same one that I showed last week. In the 8-11 sequence, a female is seen pulling on some of the nest material. To learn her actual objective, you’ll have to ask another bushtit. In #12, the male is....is....better ask another bushtit.

Now to other things. Well, the red-tailed hawk is still sitting in her nest. And there are still no herons interested in nesting. I’m sorry to say it but I don’t think there are going to be any. We have moved into “miracle” territory now I would say. However, we did have a lone heron down by the pond for an hour or so (13). I think he was just a tourist, though.

The last three finish it up, including a song sparrow, a Cooper’s hawk, and a female gadwall.

March 27, 2012

It was another rainy day at Black River today (1). Most of these were taken in some degree of rain. In the sprinkling stage I used my scope when possible. When the rain got harder, I threw in the towel and traded it for an umbrella.

First, the heron story, or rather, the lack of a heron story. I went by Coulon Park on the way to Black River and found that all the herons that had gathered beside the Boeing plant had gone, presumably to nest somewhere. Unfortunately, I saw no herons at Black River today. Folks, this isn’t good. It is possible that some Black River herons have gathered somewhere else and could still appear. However, other colonies are well underway. Something needs to happen real soon if it is going to happen this year at Black River.

As for the red-tailed hawk nest we discovered within the boundaries of the heron nesting area, I saw the head of a red-tail in the nest who gave every appearance of being on eggs. As for the osprey nest across the street in the water treatment plant, no ospreys were seen. However, I haven’t seen them anywhere else yet either.

The rest is for the birds, starting with the Anna’s hummingbirds....three of a male in the meadow (2-4) and two of a female working on the red-flowering currant (5-6). Continuing with small birds, next is a ruby-crowned kinglet who was singing intermittently. The bushtits have made a fast start on nesting. #8-9 show a new nest in an early stage of construction. #10 shows one that is nearly completed only about thirty feet away.

To finish with the ducks, there are the pintails, teal, buffleheads, and the hooded merganser (11-15).

March 20, 2012

So....we went to Black River today to see if the herons are nesting again. Not yet. But when and if they do, they will have new neighbors. A red-tailed hawk pair has moved into the heron nesting area (1). The nest is toward the back, but within the perimeter of the nests as they were in 2010. We had noticed a hawk moving around among the heron colony trees. This isn’t unheard of, but it is unusual for one to be there that long. Bob was paying attention to him and noticed him go to this new nest (not an old heron nest). Bernie and I came over to see and I was able to get a shot as one of them as it landed. We couldn’t see a head in the nest, but incubation could probably begin before long.

Questions are raised. Would the herons come back even if there was no red-tail nest? If they come back, will they tolerate a large raptor being so close? If they do, will the red-tails leave them alone? I’m fresh out of answers. Sorry!

Ah, the first day of spring and the red-flowering currant is in bloom (2-3). It is abundant at Black River. It is a big attraction for hummingbirds. Any doubters can check with the female Anna’s in #4. Keeping with Anna’s, the next two are of a male in the Waterworks Garden. I have said before that side-by-side, the S100 camera through a scope will beat the SX40 camera. I think you will agree after comparing #5 and #6. Having said that, all of the rest of these are with the SX40 Because of off and on rain, I left my scope in the car and borrowed Bob’s.

Now let’s finish the birds with the preening ruby-crowned kinglet (7-8), the brown creeper (9), the Steller’s jay (10), and the flicker (11). The flicker has a black mustache (not seen), and so, resembles a male yellow-shafted flicker. However, I guess he is probably an intergrade. I didn’t notice any yellow shafts.

Now the ducks, starting with the common goldeneyes on Springbrook Creek (12-14). Next, a group of scaups on the BR pond (15). There were around ten altogether. And finally, buffleheads, before and after blasting off.