Ponds on Witter Lane - after recent rain

I couldn't wait to get to the ponds to see how "refreshed" they might be in light of the good rain we had. At the beginning of the drive there was a Great Egret feeding in one of the ponds that had not quite dried up before the rain (North west part of property). On the other side of the road a little further south (what we call the turtle pond because we have counted almost 20 turtles sunning on logs in the past) was a Great Blue Heron.

After the turn to the west I observed another Great Egret and a Great Blue Heron on the far pond as well as a number - 20 or so ducks. They were too far away for this neophyte birder to id (and the binoculars kept fogging).

The "special" moment of the trip was the amazing flock of doves. I counted almost 200 in one tree. There were also doves along the utility wires, the fences, and in other trees. I have not see anything like that before. The majority of these doves were White-winged doves. I did not tarry as I gave up on the binos.

I also saw a couple of Mockingbirds, but didn't get any photos.

It was a relief to see some water in the ponds again as over half had dried up. It will take more rain to replenish all the ponds, but we should see a good deal of activity at the ponds for a while.

[Generally see one egret and one heron in this location. Have not seen the Belted Kingfisher that is often sited later in the day at the turtle pond]

Posted on Δεκέμβριος 19, 2017 0241 ΠΜ by alflinn329