[birding] Snag Boat Bend NWR & crows

[Lisa Millbank]

Today Don & I rode out to Snag Boat Bend, south of Peoria.  (Due to the unsafe bridge, it's only accessible by bicycle and foot right now, as parking in front of the locked gates is apparently prohibited.)  We had a fossil-fuel-free long weekend and rode 70 miles.
There were about a dozen Western Pond Turtles basking in the warm sunshine.  A Great Blue Heron stepped on one of the turtles -- I guess the turtle wasn't too upset because he stayed on the log with the heron.  Ospreys were on their nests, and one mother Osprey scolded us as we followed a trail that passes right by her nest. Willow Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers and Bullock's Orioles were scattered in the tall cottonwoods and willows along the slough.  A few immature Bald Eagles joined the Turkey Vultures soaring contentedly.  We watched a Western Scrub-Jay youngster following a parent around, begging for food and watching very carefully as the adult cached food. 
Dragonflies and damselflies were abundant, with many forktails, Western Pondhawks, Green Darners and others emerging from the water every day now.
We saw our first Climbing Honeysuckle and Hairy Owl-clover today.
Along with our bike trips we've been enjoying the flock of about 6 crows at our apartment.  The crows have finally gotten up their nerve to get peanuts out of the scrub-jays' peanut basket on the deck.  They are extremely cautious and nervous about taking peanuts, while the jays take their time poking through to find the best peanut.  It's too bad that crows seem so unpopular.  I posted a photo that is my attempt to show off their beauty.
To see photos of the osprey, crow, and heron stepping on the turtle, go to http://groups.google.com/group/mid-valley-nature/browse_thread/thread/76081cc0cc29795

Lisa    
www.neighborhood-naturalist.com
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