my playa journal

I live less than a mile from one of Lubbock, Texas' city parks, Earl Crow Park. The park is on the SE corner of a natural playa watershed that was recently (1998?) enlarged to act as a flood water retention basin. Because the main function of this approximately 40 acres is for flood control there is no development except for the small corner of the park. So, we end up with a lot of bird activity. I've always enjoyed the ducks, but recently I've also begun to bird watch for other species. This is my birding journal. Hopefully I'll see some rare and wonderful species! Even if I don't, tracking the health and activities of the year-round residents of the lake should be a lot of fun. NOTE: most recent posts are first!

10/5/04 Black-crowned Night-heron
Well, I don't know if this is a rare species for this area, but the Black-crowned Night-heron is a new one for me! I wish the photos were better, but my digital camera (Kodak DX6490) doesn't do a very good job at great distance. Based on my reading I think this Night-heron is a second year juvenile, since the black coloring isn't solid on the head and down the back. I also saw the Sandpipers again. I think these are Western sandpipers (Calidris mauri).

10/01/04 Holy Flood Waters Batman!
We have had so much rain lately that our playa here at the Earl Crow park has more than quadrupled in size. This photo doesn't really do justice to the sight. The fellow looking out on the lake is my husband. Hi sweetie!

9/29/04 Goodbye Gertrude
Today I saw 36 Canada geese, several pairs of Gadwalls and Mallards along with the regular crew of Muscovy ducks. I was saddened that Gertrude wasn't there. Since she couldn't fly due to wing damage, I can only assume that either someone has taken her or she's died. I hope its the former. She was always fearless and friendly and despite her injuries she obviously ruled the roost. It was always fun to watch her keep the younger ducks in line. Where ever you are Gertrude, know that you are missed!