Palm Warbler at Lake Artemesia.

The weather has slowed me down lately. Cold, rain and high winds for several days, It’s getting better now, and Spring will break through soon.

I’ve been getting out a little, mostly to my local spots, but not finding much until today.   We had highs in the 60s, and a nice variety at Lake Artemesia.

I met Edgar early, and we circled the lake several times searching for a better look at the Common Loon, but had to settle for a distant shot. Other birds made up for it.

Osprey 2018-10

Osprey 2018-6 Osprey 2018-8 Osprey 2018-7

Osprey 2018-9

I’ve seen up to 6 Ospreys at Quiet Waters recently, including this one who’s occupying this particular nesting platform for the first time.

Horned Grebe 2018-17

Horned Grebes are nearly all gone.

Canada Goose 2018-8

Canada Goose 2018-9

Many Canada Geese have moved north, but there’s always a few hangers-on.

Red Breasted Merganser 2018-31 Red Breasted Merganser 2018-30 Red Breasted Merganser 2018-29

Red Breasted Merganser 2018-28

I followed this Red Breasted Merganser for half an hour hoping for a decent shot

Red Winged Blackbird 2018-9

Red Winged Blackbirds are singing loudly.

Bufflehead 2018-42

Only a few Buffleheads are still in the area.

Eastern Bluebird 2018-4

This Eastern Bluebird is a male in breeding plumage.

Tree Swallow 2018-1

Tree Swallows have been showing up for a week or so.

Common Loon 2018-2

Common Loon 2018-3

This is the best I could do with the Common Loon, who appears to be molting.

Tufted Titmouse 2018-1

I haven’t seen a Tufted Titmouse in quite a while.

Wood Duck 2018-12

Wood Duck 2018-13

A pair of Wood Ducks was cruising the shoreline.

Double Crested Cormorant 2018-9

Several Double Crested Cormorants were fishing in the lake.

American Coot 2018-2

Two American Coots were foraging in the lake.

Ring Necked Duck 2018-5

Ring Necked Duck 2018-6

There’s a small flock of Ring Necked Ducks roaming the lake.

Palm Warbler 2018-1

I had to follow this Palm Warbler for a while to get a good look.

Beaver 134

This Beaver let me get quite close.

Muskrat 18

I found this Muskrat at Blackwater a few days ago.