Lake Hemet is an incredibly important place for birds and other wildlife in the San Jacinto Mountains. From the sky, you can see clearly that there is very little freshwater available. This photo was taken in 2014 when our friend, Dave, gave me a ride in the Lynx. Thanks, Dave! I won't forget it.
The latest unusual sighting has been the 4 Eared Grebes in breeding plumage. They are seen in the Winter but it is unusual for them to be here during breeding season. Last year, I went all the way to the Sierra Mts in hopes of seeing this beautiful bird in breeding plumage.
It looks a lot different in the winter!
Mallard ducks are pretty common but seeing a whole family swimming along the water is a great find!
The new resident Bald Eagles were successful this year with at least one chick. This photo was taken from a great distance. I include it because it documents their success. Last year, this pair wasn't so fortunate.
While looking at the nesting Bald Eagles, I noticed this Turkey Vulture perched on a post. It is amazing to see this large bird flatten its body.
Between the nearby Turkey Vulture and me, this Western Bluebird had to think twice before delivering breakfast to his hungry clan.
Finally, this Gopher snake is my first snake sighting of the new year. He was basking in the sun long enough for me to see him before returning to the underbrush near the lake. Unlike rattlesnakes, it is nonvenomous. Spring is quickly turning into Summer. Enjoy!
Click on photos to enlarge.
