Collins Lake

Horned Grebe

Was thronged this morning. We had heard about a Horned Grebe that was seen there yesterday and were hoping to spot it.

Male Hooded Merganser

Female Hoodie

I found it within five minutes after pulling into the Quinlan Park parking lot and walking down the hill. I have only ever seen one before today so that was plenty of excitement. However the little semi-urban lake had lots more to offer.

This Bufflehead surfaced right at my feet
but I was too slow with the camera to get more than this.
However, I got a fantastic glimpse of his beautiful plumage
that I will never forget.

There was large raft of migratory ducks that were bustling around the left side of the lake. There were at least sixty Ring-necked Ducks, a batch of American Wigeons, a long line of Common Mergansers, plenty of Hooded Mergansers, a couple of Mallards, a Wood Duck, Canada Geese and lots of singing passerine birds.

Red-winged Blackbird

American Wigeon

Such fun! I found 191 individuals of 25 species. It isn't a bad drive from here...I hope we can take my BBB...Best Birding Buddy (you know who you are)... there someday soon. 

Ring-necked Ducks, easily identified by the rings...on their bills. lol

American Robin

I also met a nice lady birder, who alas, missed the ducks for the most part as some fishing folks sent them off to the other end of the lake. We had a nice visit though and I learned the whereabouts of a couple of other local hotspots for future perusal.

Common Mergansers