If it’s McKethan Lake in January or February, it will be cold. At 8:00 AM it was 29 degrees. Nonetheless, eight hardy birders went afield (and in cars). We had a great time and a couple of us took off a layer or two before it was over.
The first highlight at McKethan Lake occurred right in front of us over the water near the shore at the picnic area. A mature Bald Eagle circled low and dived close to the surface several times over the same spot on the lake. After it gave up and flew to a treetop perch on the other side, a Pied-billed Grebe surfaced near that spot.
Then the woods trail leading from the parking area produced again. Two Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen and one photographed and included here. This was a first by my recollection. Some other notable species seen at McKethan were Hermit Thrush, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and American Woodstork.
After McKethan Lake was finished seven of us traveled a few miles to Big Pine. We picked up two more Red-headed Woodpeckers. One posed at the top of a snag for a good while. In all, 40 species were tallied. Karen Bender, a new member, took the group photo.
Rey Wells
The first highlight at McKethan Lake occurred right in front of us over the water near the shore at the picnic area. A mature Bald Eagle circled low and dived close to the surface several times over the same spot on the lake. After it gave up and flew to a treetop perch on the other side, a Pied-billed Grebe surfaced near that spot.
Then the woods trail leading from the parking area produced again. Two Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen and one photographed and included here. This was a first by my recollection. Some other notable species seen at McKethan were Hermit Thrush, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and American Woodstork.
After McKethan Lake was finished seven of us traveled a few miles to Big Pine. We picked up two more Red-headed Woodpeckers. One posed at the top of a snag for a good while. In all, 40 species were tallied. Karen Bender, a new member, took the group photo.
Rey Wells
RSS Feed
