Lloyd's Landing is officially open for the 2018 season! We arrived only a few hours after ice-out, but you wouldn't have guessed it. The lake sparkled in the sunshine, and the birds descended on it with eager abandon.

It was a big week for waterfowl, it seemed like everyone was passing through. I saw both trumpeter and mute swans, and just possibly a pair of black necked swans. They were all on the other side of the lake, so I wasn't able to get any pictures. But through the binoculars, you could see them pairing up.

Although I heard a loon's cry from somewhere on the lake, our shoreline was patrolled by a family of hooded mergansers. The male and female had five juveniles in tow, and as the week went on, the ducklings ventured further and further away from their parents.

A pair of wood ducks were also staying close to our shore. They are very skiddish, so I could only get pictures from inside. As soon as I stepped out, they would take off with a synchronized cry. I am almost positive I saw a golden eye. I saw one a few years ago, and they don't seem to stay around very long.

A bald eagle found a favorite perch at the top of a tree on the point near us. I also saw a juvenile eagle, who was big but hadn't attained adult plumage--it was still a mottled brown but the distinctive white tail was starting to emerge.

A single turkey ran across the yard one morning and quickly disappeared into the forest. I found out later that our neighbor has been feeding the wild turkeys. I guess he's planning ahead for next November.

The birds are ready for summer, and so are we.

Bird by Bird