Before today, I could count on one hand how many Sandhill Cranes I had seen (three!). Today, I happened to see a flock of 17, and then 4 more flew over.

21!!

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I like American Coots. Especially when I happen to catch a group of them as they splash into the water.

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I watched the Northern Harrier skim low across the line of reeds in front of me. Suddenly it turned and landed, looked into the reeds and around a bit, before leaving. Shortly afterwards, I spotted the Song Sparrow pop out.

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A pair of Northern Harriers were hunting along the pond in front of me. I noticed the large flock of American Avocets take off and snapped some pictures of them in flight. Caught the hunter among them.

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The clump of reeds was making a lot of noise. I have no idea how I saw the little Song Sparrow.

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Sometimes the camera just does not cooperate...

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Every time I go out birding, I seem to come across a Loggerhead Shrike. Always just one, and usually in the direction that the last one flew off towards. I'm never sure if I'm seeing multiple individuals, or the same individual following me. Either way, I greet every one with a "Hello, my friend!"

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A few of the better pictures I took today at Carson Lake.

This is the same American Kestrel. I'd take her picture, let her fly, then end up catching up with her as I drove cause she just went down the road. The last picture is the best "Stop Following Me!" look ever.

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While on a bird tour this weekend, a lone killdeer kept pacing back and forth in front of a couple of the vehicles. Eventually, it realized it could get closer.

Back to its nest.

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I have to wait until eBird confirms the sighting, but I think I saw a lifer that's rare for this time of year. iNaturalist suggested a Sage Thrasher and when I looked at other regional pictures, they look remarkably similar to this bird.

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