SPRING 2019
On-line at www.locustlakevillage.org
New Birding Group at Locust Lake Village By Bob Gettis, LLV birder “Feathered Friends” A new group of Villagers and friends interested in birding has formed, and our first walk took place on February 23, 2019 around Pines Lake. Even though snow, ice and cold were part of the day, we shared stories of birds we have identified already this year! They include junco, chickadee, titmouse, cardinal, mourning dove, hairy, downy, red-bellied woodpeckers and the American bald eagle. So, when you consider birding as a hobby, keep in mind the ease of getting started or doing more as a current birder. First of all, the birds are all around us here in Locust Lake Village, so you don’t have to go far. Yes, at some point you will want to have a good pair of binoculars if you don’t have that already covered. At the bookstore you’ll find pocket field guides which make for a lot of fun. Now you have the binoculars, a book and the interest. Keep in mind early mornings seem to be best to see most birds as they actively look for breakfast and use their energy for finding and feeding. It is also the time they seem to sing the most and have “words with friends” ! That’s how our group spotted and identified the titmouse and chickadee during our first walk. Birding is a quiet sport because most birds are easily spooked. While talking, speak softly, while walking, consider the birds are right with you. Be quick to signal your walking partners so that they too can enjoy the spotting and help identify the birds that are watching us. One of the things to consider is starting a life list, which is a simple recording of the types of birds you identify. You’ll get off to a great start by just some simple walks around Locust Lake Village. You’ll find them in the Mountain Laurel, pines, hardwoods, lakes and on the wires. Look for the woodpeckers and nuthatches on
the dead trees picking at insects in the bark and for the migrating birds that stop over for a visit. Many times you will hear or spot a bird but may not be able to identify it in an instant. A camera or camera phone may be just the thing to help you with that challenge. Take the time for the walks and take time to pause along the way!
More Photos Inside On Page 6
“Feathered Friends” are getting together on a regular basis for walks and field trips that may be of interest to you. On March 2 the group took an ambitious trip to Middle Creek Reservoir about 2 hours from Locust Lake. Our mission was to get a good look at some of the hundreds of thousands of snow geese and tundra swans at this oasis for these birds on their way north for the summer.
In the pictures shown you get a sense of the magnitude of the migration and the ideal setting for bird watching at this location. This is a well-established and monitored setting that measures the health and habits of these specific birds. The estimated bird count for the day was 2,500 Tundra Swan and 75,000 Snow Geese! The other birds shown were a bonus for our enthusiastic birders. If any of this is of interest, consider joining us on an upcoming walk. Keep an eye out in the Thursday e-Blasts for more information on “Feathered Friends” or e-mail Mary at mlgettis@comcast with questions or comments.
Inside Highlights Events of Interest
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