What’s that expression about how the Heron flies?

No, that’s not right … it’s “How the Osprey flies…”

Crow! That’s it! It’s “How the Crow flies”!

In aerodynamics, drag is directly related to “frontal area”, or how much surface area is presented to the oncoming air. Birds don’t have a lot of frontal area in their flight configuration:

The Osprey are nesting on top of the intake structure. Best of luck to ’em!

I’m pretty sure this is a Bonaparte’s Gull, found hangin’ out near the dam, and probably on her way to breeding grounds, as they’re considered transients in this area:

(as usual, click on a picture to get to a higher-resolution version)

A chilly day on the edge of winter, but it’s still neat to be out on The Lake. I know I titled this “Heron Special”, but the Great Blue Herons weren’t the only birds out there. This Kingfisher was just hangin’ out, fluffed a bit against the cool temperatures:

(as usual, click on the picture for a higher-resolution version)
So I’m paddling along and I spooked a Heron that I didn’t see. I try not to do that, but I just didn’t see this one. She took off and headed up the lake, but then decided to turn back. Maybe she recognized me and realized I wasn’t a threat, and wanted to get back to that spot.

Nice wingspan, complete with winglets:

She treated me to an airshow-like low pass right in front of me, camera snapping away.

and circled around into the trees. You can just about see her in the trees here:

For a large bird, they can get around in the trees pretty good. Here’s one just jumping off the top of a tree and transitioning into a flight configuration:

The operation looked very awkward, but he very quickly was in full flight.

The seasons have definitely changed. I took this picture on October 30:

And this one just yesterday, November 16, in about the same spot:

Other cycles are also in play, as this tree looks ready for recycling:

For all the changes in the weather, the water birds are still very active. In fact, it was a surprisingly good day to be out on the water with my camera.

This is what refueling looks like for a couple of mallards:

And these birds sure know how to operate in “congested airspace”, with nary a radar transponder or anti-collision light in sight:

The airshow continues with a nice echelon turn:

…and the mallards join up for a classic “V” formation:

While a couple of turtles take in the action and some late-season sun:

Some ducks heading off on a triple date?

There are a number of groups of Canadian Geese around the lake, but, who’s this guy? You can also see him in the “congested airspace” picture above, if you look closely .. maybe click through to the full-res version.


With the change in seasons comes a change is who’s around. Some of the lake denizens have migrated south, while others have moved in from the north; more of those cycles. I think this may be a Red-necked Grebe (in winter plumage), which would make her another winter resident:

Speaking of winter residents, seagulls are starting to show up. Here’s a Ring-billed Gull:

And a young and somewhat rare Little Gull:

Obligatory Kingfisher and Great Blue Heron pics:

The afternoon had been mostly clear skies, but late in the day a cloud deck started moving in from the southwest. The Sun didn’t go easily, though:

I’ve had a lot going on lately, so I’ve got some pictures to catch up on. Here’s some of the latest lake goings-ons. As usual, you can click on the picture to get to a full-resolution version if you want to count the feathers.

That’s a Mocking Bird about to land in the tree:

There were these two Kingfishers who seemed to just be hanging around with each other. I think they were a pair, and they were happy to sit still (for a change) for some portraits:

Osprey were out playing and kicking up rooster tails on the water:

And the Osprey weren’t the only ones kicking up some water… here a Great Blue Heron heads for a landing:

Wouldn’t you know it? I’m out there with my small lens to do some video, and I come across our Bald Eagle. Wish I had my 200mm lens for this guy…