Adventures for Wilderness, Frank Lake Birdwatching – May 10, 2025

May 12, 2025

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Photos and text by Loreen Ayuda

Stunning Birds and Ducks Day at Frank Lake

Our birding adventure began at 8:30 AM at the Anderson train station and the rest of the group would meet us directly at Frank Lake.

By 9:45 AM, we arrived at the venue, where a total of 11 participants (plus the three of us AWA personnel) had gathered. Things kicked things off with a brief introduction to the day’s activity, and everyone took turns introducing themselves, revealing a mix of seasoned birders and curious newcomers.

We set off on a leisurely walk around the lake, quickly immersed in the lively sights and sounds of local birdlife. Birds swooped above, waddled through the shallows, or perched on fences, rocks, and tiny islands.  Among the many bird species and ducks seen were hawks, willets, grebes, and many more plus several Canada geese gliding along the water, their fluffy goslings close behind.

Our midday break was spent at the observation area, where we enjoyed a slow lunch in the shade while continuing to watch ducks and other birds in their natural habitat. The weather couldn’t have been better and perfect for outdoor exploration.

With a slow pace, it became as much about sharing knowledge as it was about the birds themselves. Some participants came equipped with high-powered cameras, eager to capture the moment in detail. The activity wrapped up around 2 PM. Everyone left a little more knowledgeable, sun-kissed, and thoroughly content after a day spent immersed in nature’s beauty.

35 different bird species seen:

• Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
• Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
• Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
• Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)
• Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
• Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
• Yellow-headed Blackbird (Genus Xanthocephalus)
• Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
• Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
• Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
• White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
• Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
• American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
• Sora (Porzana carolina)*
• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
• American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
• Willett (Tringa semipalmata)
• Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)
• California Gull (Larus californicus)
• Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan)
• Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
• Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
• Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri)
• Double crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
• Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)
• American Coot (Fulica americana)
• Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
• Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
• Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
• Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
• Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)
• Short-billed Dowitcher (Genus Limnodromus)
• Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)