Got going a little earlier today making it to the hike at 7:15 with around a 54 degree temp. Once again there was a lot of bird chatter with a number of calls that were unfamiliar to my ears.
This was really and exceptionally good day for bird watching. Not so much for bird photography. There were some exciting developments. Upon arrival at the Anticline Fishing Pond I noticed a good number of yellow breasted birds in the trees that line the pond. My first thought was that they were Western Kingbirds but I have never really seen that type of bird in groups – this is a more solitary hunter. Further down the trail I got a so-so shot of one and have identified it as a Tropical Kingbird. These birds are way outside their normal range. Next I saw a family of Canada Geese in the Arkansas River with two tiny little goslings. My guess is that this is the first of many swimming lessons. And finally, I spotted a number of Northern Orioles flitting about in the leaves by the river bank. I have been expecting them and I am glad they are back in Southern Colorado.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Lake Pueblo State Park without checking out the Heron nest over in the Osprey Picnic Area. Today I caught someone at home and got a few quick shots before he/she flew off.
Sightings:
Birds: Starlings, Cormorants, Duck, Canada Geese, Swallows, Robins, Kestrel, Western Kingbird, Tropical Kingbirds, Great Blue Heron, Blue Jays, Northern Orioles, Osprey, Western Meadowlark
Critters: Mule Deer
A new family of Canada Geese take an first swim in the Arkansas River at Lake Pueblo State Park in Southern Colorado 
Great Blue Heron Tending her nest at Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado 
Northern Oriole at Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado 
Tropical Kingbird at Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado
Gear: Nikon D5100, 55-200mm lens