Friday, July 25, 2014

One Fine Day of Birding & Lollygagging at Lovely Jewel Lake

Jewel Lake is a small gem of nature

Jewel Lake in Tilden Regional Park is a tranquil, bucolic setting ideal for any number of activities, not least of which is birding and observing natural rhythms of the small, pretty lake, which is really Wildcat Creek impounded.

The boardwalk heading to the lake, very very slowly

In the heart of the Tilden Nature Area, young and old alike delight in watching turtles sun on logs, spotting occasional snakes and frogs, and wading into swarms of minnows. This rich biodiverse ecosystem has even attracted river otters from afar. How they make it to Jewel Lake is a thing to ponder.

Turtles catching some rays

Birds, too, naturally, flock here for good feeding and shelter. It's not uncommon to see Great Blue Herons skittering in for a landing on a fallen tree trunk, or shiny black Cormorants spread-eagling their wings in showy displays of – what exactly?

Cormorant display of wing flapping

I've seen Belted Kingfishers here, too, but not in two or three years. And, as usual, Steller's Jays are on the prowl looking for picnickers' crumbs. Today's highlights are a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron feeding on minnows, and a spiffy pair of Black Phoebes snatching gnats and damselflies out of thin air.

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron with elongated neck

Each is absorbed and deeply engaged
in their uniquely respective stalking ways.

Three's company: Black Phoebes at Jewel Lake

The Night Heron, perhaps due to youthful indiscretion, is not afraid or intimidated by my presence, but I stay at a respectful distance. Mom 'n pop must be near by, I'm guessing, unless this guy is old enough and independent / competent enough to do without parental care.

Adult Black-crowned Night Heron

Anyone know?

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron eyeballing something

Well, he's a stunning bird – I probably take two dozen photographs, for he just keeps on giving the gift of posing perfectly for me for one up close and personal shot after another.

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron thinking about it

Rare indeed.

Turtle poking his head up

Nearby, in the willowy brush lining the muddy reed-lined shore, two Black Phoebes sit side by side, then fly off in unison on a reconnaissance mission, and then return together to their sweet love perch.

Pair of playful Black Phoebes

I watch them flit and flutter, masterfully and aesthetically whirly-looping over the shimmering water, then popping back again to sit side by side to survey their world in (what appears to me to be) contented satisfaction.

The young hunter learning the ropes

Back now to the Black-crowned Night Heron,
who's flown to the other side of the lake
to see if pickins are any better over there.

Preening Mallards with Heron in stalking mode

Adding to the lively avian scene:
colorful Mallards and other Ducks swimming about.

Cutest little Wilson's Warbler you ever saw

A pair of tree-hopping Wilson's Warblers.

Rare glimpse (for me) of Warbling Vireo

A fine and first sighting of a Warbling Vireo
warbling away with sweet plaintive notes.

Scrub Jay doing a double take

Emboldened Jays, joyful Juncos and cocky Chickadees.

Great Blue Heron on golden pond

The tranquil forested setting
is a beautiful place to go
for a short, quick, get-away
to experience "real" nature.

Even when direly dry, Jewel Lake is a beautiful wildlife refuge

Take the elevated boardwalk
winding through a bird lover's forest
to spot snakes entangled on sunbaked logs.

Spotted Towhee on high alert

 Admire a pretty Spotted Towhee
hiding and tweeting in the brush.

Young Heron about to make a stab at it

Among the delights of spotting
any number of our feathered friends during . . .

Turtle swimming toward log

One fine day of birding
at lovely Jewel Lake.

Great Blue Heron and Turtle
at Jewel Lake


Ducks

Read more of Gambolin' Man's shout-outs
on the simple wonders & charming splendors
of Wildcat Creek Watershed, Wildcat Creek,
Wildcat Gorge Trail, Tilden Nature Area & Tilden Regional Park:








Wildcat Creek
gully tributary
near Jewel Lake

Enjoy dozens of live-action scenes
of a special birds, creek & watershed in the Berkeley Hills:



Wildcat Creek
below Jewel Lake
"small miracle" stretch

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