My Patch

The Joys of Kingston Lake

There is nothing extraordinary about Kingston Lake Park in Johnson County, Kansas. Yes, it is an eBird hotspot, but species diversity is low, only 80 species have been recorded there. It is nothing more than a suburban backyard with a lake in the middle.  A handful of bald cypress can be found along the shore and there is a conglomeration of trees and shrubs on the fence line at the eastern edge. There are two benches, a small shelter, a playground area and several randomly placed picnic tables. There are no restrooms and U.S. Highway 69 runs along its eastern border. However, it is a mile from my house and I have submitted 62 checklists for Kingston Lake so far this year. It is one of my favorite birding locations. A species list can be found here.

What's the attraction?

If Kingston Lake is famous for anything, it would be ducks. Not large rafts of ducks, but handfuls of a variety of ducks that are approachable and can be studied without needing a spotting scope. And very often they will come close to shore which is something appreciated by local photographers. And should the lake freeze, there is usually an open patch of water directly in front of the western fishing dock where the ducks will congregate. The birds are frequently close enough that you can actually see the "ring" on the Ring-necked Ducks.

The subtle beauty of a Gadwall

Kingston Lake Park, Johnson County, Kansas

January 24, 2014

Another advantage of having a small group of approachable ducks is that it provides the opportunity to study the females. I have spent a great deal of time sitting on the bench at the south end of the lake looking at female widgeons, scaup, pintails, and ring-necked ducks. It has been very helpful.

What else?

While it may sound counter-intuitive, the lack of species diversity is another attraction. Right now, the ducks are gone and it is time to focus on migrants and summer residents. With only a handful of species there at a time, there are no distractions. I'm not jumping from one species to the next to build up a big list. I can focus on what is there. And there are few if any Tufted Titmice drowning out the calls of other birds. Recently, the trees were filled with Yellow-rumped Warblers. I could calmly watch them, but more importantly I could listen to them. I'm a nearly 60 year old man who was too fond of fireworks and rock music in his youth. Being able to listen to their quiet and high-pitched song was wonderful. I have had the opportunity to listen to (and observe) Chipping Sparrows as well. If you are at Kingston Lake at the right time of year, you can watch a variety of swallows cruising and swooping, which is not only enjoyable, but they fly close enough for you to see field marks and study tail shapes. But the real attraction is the same as with all birding efforts, you never know what you are going to see.

Courtship display of a Common Goldeneye

Kingston Lake, Park, Johnson County, KS

March 7, 2014

Patch birding

My trips to Kingston Lake started with my frustration at not being able to get out to bird on a regular basis. Since it is so close to my house I figured I could stop there to or from work, the grocery store, etc. I figured birding there was better than not birding at all. It has since become my local "patch." I'm  there from 5-7 times a week, with visits ranging from fifteen minutes to an hour. I pay close attention to new arrivals and recent departures. I have begun to notice other critters such as a muskrat chowing down right next the concrete sidewalk and the host of sunning turtles that show up out of nowhere when the weather is right. I'm hoping to learn to identify some of the trees and shrubs before the summer is over. Do you have a favorite "patch" to bird? It doesn't have to be a famous hotspot, it can simply be a place you find yourself visiting on a regular basis. It can be fun, although I have offended a few people by saying out loud, "What are you doing here?" when I spot an unexpected species. If you are not familiar with "patch" birding, you can learn more here.