Common Merganser at Lake Artemesia.

The weather gods promised sunshine, and we got it. I went to Lake Artemesia early to get some dawn photos, and it was just OK. I had been hearing about good birds all week, though, so it didn’t matter much.

Artemesia can be spotty, but it’s been prolific for the last few weeks. It’s nice to find good birds, and it’s even better to find several good birds.

There were lots of photographers today, many more than usual. Maybe we’re giving away too much on Facebook.

Lake Artemesia 119

Dawn at Lake Artemesia.

Common Merganser 2019-9

I’ve been going to Artemesia for 5 years, and this is the first Common Merganser I’vfe seen there.

Canada Goose 2019-2

There were fewer Canada Geese than usual.

Hooded Merganser 2019-14

8-10 Hooded Mergansers were feeding in the lake.

Double Crested Cormorant 2019-5 Double Crested Cormorant 2019-4

Double Crested Cormorant 2019-5

Double Crested Cormorant 2019-6

I counted 25 Double Crested Cormorants.

 

Great Blue Heron 2019-4

I found three Great Blue Herons.

Belted Kingfisher 2019-1

I saw this Belted Kingfisher several times, but it was tough to get a photo.

Common Goldeneye 2019-4

Common Goldeneye 2019-2 Common Goldeneye 2019-1

Common Goldeneye 2019-3

The Common Goldeneyes are still hanging out.

Bufflehead 2019-7

I found only two Buffleheads.

Canvasback 2019-2

This female Canvasback has been around for more than a week.

Common Merganser 2019-4 Common Merganser 2019-8 Common Merganser 2019-3

Common Merganser 2019-1

These are the first Common Mergansers I’ve seen at Artemesia.