For bird watchers, September is a month to see interesting transitions: some local nesters head south for the winter; some northerly nesters arrive. The overlap presents some rich viewing of those coming and those going.
The most striking departure will be made by the Osprey. This one will likely be gone in a week.
Less conspicuous, but here through the summer and soon to leave, is the Gray Catbird.
Absent through the summer, the Western Grebe will hang out around the Lake until the end of the year, at which time it will likely leave for the Coast.
The Hooded Merganser has arrived. This picture shows two males (left, bright eyes) and two females (right, dark eyes). The two males are at different stages in their moult towards their breeding plumage.
Then there are the birds that leave one uncertain as to whether they are from here or passing through. Here are two Bald Eagles: an adult on the left and a juvenile on the right. Eagles are present year round, yet at this time, their numbers increase as more northerly nesters flow south across our region.
Wonderful photos. I’ve been shooting pelicans, gulls and western grebes lately.