Morning Birding at Hallam Lake 10/20/19

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Tuesday, October 20, 2021, 8am-11am
Weather: Mostly Sunny
Location: Hallam Lake

While today’s species list is fairly short, our observations were exciting and high-quality! We enjoyed having limited access within portions of the fenced area in zones away from the construction action (by virtue of being on an official guided ACES outing), where we had views of the drained lake area and surroundings. Several green-winged teals foraged among mallards, two kingfishers were very active all around the preserve, and a Wilson’s snipe rested on the middle of the drained lake bed out in the open with machinery and people working nearby — a surprise for such a secretive bird. An eagle flew over the lake and perched in a far tree where we were able to view it through the scope from a couple of spots. We determined that based on its dark swoosh across the side of the face, pale iris, whitish belly with dark splotches, large two-toned bill, and white in the tail, that it was a second year juvenile. The eagle stayed around and flew to various perches, meanwhile the resident red-tailed hawk gave calls possibly in response to this bird’s presence. Later, a killdeer foraged on the drained lake bed near the operating digger. Two great blue herons foraged in the back area of the preserve, and the beavers’ work everywhere was impressive: newly built-up dams and a food cache. Join us next month for Morning Birding!

Species List: 

Canada Goose
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Killdeer
Wilson’s Snipe
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Hawk sp.
Belted Kingfisher
Hairy Woodpecker
Steller’s Jay
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Pygmy Nuthatch
Pine Siskin
Song Sparrow

~ Rebecca Weiss, ACES Bird Guide

Photo of Belted Kingfisher by Mick Thompson.