Bird Life at the Lake

Not long ago Steve looked out our kitchen window toward the lake. "What!!!" He rushed to the window, obviously excited! "Look!" He spoke in awed tone, pointing. "Wild turkeys!" We got the binoculars and took turns looking at the giant birds. I say "giant", because we are used to chickadees, cardinals, downy woodpeckers, and the like which visit our feeders all winter long. Of course, we routinely see the larger Canada geese and great blue herons. But these birds were heavier looking...big bodies. Two were pecking grass as they worked their way towards the woods. Then, "Look! In the tree! There are three more!!!" Sitting in the walnut tree by water's edge were three additional turkeys. One at a time they flew to the ground to join the two. We watched as they went toward the woods, investigating and eating along the way. Soon they disappeared. We were delighted to have had the special siting, looking at just the right time to see such an incredible sight in our own back yard.

When our friends Frank and Joan were visiting here a few weeks ago, we had the joy of watching a couple of pairs of colorful wood ducks land in the lake-front trees. For some reason they don't even look at the nice box we set up high on a pole for them. Each year they pass through, but never stop to raise a family here. That would be a tremendous thrill!

Just the other day I glanced out the kitchen window and caught a glimpse of several large bright white birds soaring by. The black wingtips and distinctive bills made it plain that they are migrating Great Amerian Pelicans. Nine in all that day, four the next, and one yesterday! Autumn and spring are delightful times of the year to live on a lake, if you enjoy seeing a variety of birds that do not reside in your region. Whenever I "happen" to catch a glimpse of one of these beautiful birds, I thank God for the special blessing of the variety in His creation and the opportunity to enjoy it!

Below are some pictures Steve captured of the turkeys.

In the one below you have to look carefully to spot the three turkeys in the tree. One is in the lower center of the picture near the tree trunk. Another is a little lower to the left. The third is easier to locate near the top where the branches are smaller.

Four turkeys following the leader toward the woods.
Despite looking through obstacles, perhaps you can get a better idea of coloring and size of these birds.