I keep changing my mind about what to make of a post. It seems crazy to have so many options during the slow breeding season, as it were. But slowness gives one more time to reflect, perhaps, as long as one isn’t melting. The return of extreme heat doesn’t help.

I have been to both Goose Lakes these past two Sundays, and I was delighted to have Joann’s company, as we combed the prairies for grassland birds. Climate change is making things trickier for the birds as well. My annual tradition is to visit Goose Lake Prairie on or about the 4th or the 5th of July, to celebrate quiet before or after the noise of fireworks and acknowledge another year gone on the 5th, which was my birthday, or so I’ve been told. Anyway, recovering from the carpal tunnel surgery, I am still using the Sony RX10 and getting more or less used to it.

At Goose Lake Prairie on July 5, we had many Field Sparrows, if more heard than seen.

Common Yellowthroats were still proclaiming their presence,

We saw an Eastern Meadowlark early on, if briefly.

Flying over us, at first a Great Egret and later, a Great Blue Heron.

There’s still nothing quite like an Indigo Bunting in bright sunshine.

This female Northern Cardinal struck a pose.

Toward the end of our trek, we saw Bald Eagle juveniles playing in the distance. There were 3 or 4 but I only managed to barely capture two at a time.

I used to always visit Goose Lake Prairie expecting to see Dickcissels, but this was the first year I didn’t even hear one. We heard chats and a Henslow’s Sparrow, but didn’t see any. There had been a lot of rain and flooding. Still, were fairly comfortable, it was not too hot, and the prairie flowers were in bloom.

One week later we visited Goose Lake Conservation Area, in the opposite direction, hoping to get lucky and see some Yellow-headed Blackbirds, the main attraction there. Although we did see a few, they were too far away, popping up in the reeds which were that much taller than on my last visit on June 2. I was hoping to start seeing some juvenile birds, but things were still pretty quiet. After the long walk along the Hebron Trail, when we finally reached the open grassland, I found a quiet Song Sparrow to photograph.

We were greeted by a large number of swallows, which turned out to be predominantly Bank Swallows with some Barn and.Tree Swallows. Bank and Barn Swallows below.

Two Tree Swallows, including the one at the top of the post.

We had a couple Willow Flycatchers, and an Eastern Kingbird.

We were standing on the platform that provides somewhat of an overlook facing the water, although we could not even see the water for all the reeds. At some point we noticed a Dickcissel struggling with what appeared to be a grasshopper. I had seen three or more Dickcissels back in June when they were perched proudly and singing, but I had almost forgotten they were here when this bird showed up.

Green Herons were flying over periodically.

I was surprised to have the camera almost focus on an American Goldfinch behind leaves.

Here’s one more of some Barn and Bank Swallows.

I should be out walking, but the sun is broiling, the heat is building, and the air is thick and heavy. I just can’t bring myself to start the car to go for a walk. I am also waiting for a FedEx delivery. If the delivery occurs early enough, I may go out this afternoon to swim. I found a pool where I can swim for the rest of the month before I go back to my regular health club, where the pool and the women’s locker room are currently closed for maintenance and remodeling, respectively. I went swimming on Monday at the temporary pool and surprised myself by doing the entire mile after not being able to swim for three weeks. Even swimming in warmer water than usual is refreshing. I hope you are finding ways to endure the heat, wherever you are.