Orchard Oriole at Lake Artemesia.

I ran into Graeme at the lake this morning, and we made the rounds looking for bugs and birds. Bugs were scarce, but the birds were a bit better.

There wasn’t anything new, though, and I fear we’re entering the birding doldrums that often occur in early summer.

Lake Artemesia 34 Lake Artemesia 33 Lake Artemesia 32 Lake Artemesia 31 Lake Artemesia 30 Lake Artemesia 29 Lake Artemesia 28

Lake Artemesia 27

Views of Lake Artemesia.

Red Winged Blackbird 2016-38

Red Winged Blackbirds are numerous at the lake.

Goldfinch 2016-9

This female Goldfinch was in the shade.

Mockingbird 2016-8

I got one try at this Mockingbird before he flew off.

Snowy Egret 2016-12

I just barely caught this flight of 6-8 Snowy Egrets flying over the lake.

Eastern Kingbird 2016-22

This Eastern Kingbird can be found at the same spot every day.

Wood Duck 2016-112

It’s odd to see a Wood Duck on the asphalt trail.

Mallard 2016-67

This Mallard hen was hanging out with the Wood Ducks.

Wood Duck 2016-114 Wood Duck 2016-113

Wood Duck 2016-115

Several Wood Ducks with young are easy to find.

Green Heron 2016-24

Green Heron 2016-25

I was ready for this Green Heron when he took off.

Barn Swallow 2016-23

Barn Swallow 2016-22

I’m still surprised at how close you can get to a Barn Swallow.

Orchard Oriole 2016-17

Orchard Oriole 2016-18

This is as close as I’ve gotten to the Orchard Orioles at the lake.

Turtle 56 Turtle 55

Turtle 57

Graeme and I interrupted this turtle while she was trying to lay eggs.

Flower 73

Dogwood 1

Today’s flowers.