These Red Necked Grebes will soon be heading to the Arctic to breed.

Red Breasted Mergansers are still hanging out at Quiet Waters.

Only a few Lesser Scaup are still in residence.

I’d heard there were Gadwalls in the pond, but this is the first time I’ve found them.

These Wood Ducks were quite distant, but I think I can get a better image.

You can always find Mallards at the park.

Horned Grebes will be leaving soon also.

There are still a few Buffleheads hanging out.

This Long Tailed Duck didn’t get as close as I’d have liked.

A pair of Red Bellied Woodpeckers was examining this dead tree.

I haven’t seen a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker in several weeks.

Hermit Thrushes were almost commonplace the last few days.

This Common Goldeneye was solo at the point.

Robins were plentiful and bright.

This Bluebird is in breeding plumage.

This Red Necked Grebe was foraging close to shore.

This juvenile Bald Eagle was looking for a snack, but was chased off by a bunch of Gulls.

Courting Buffleheads can be quite aggressive.

Lesser Scaup were the dominant duck.

This Song Sparrow was foraging in the cold. You have to admire their hardiness.

This Red Bellied Woodpecker was one of the few birds moving around with the Merlin in the vicinity.

My friend Dan calls this Merlin, “One of the coolest birds on the planet.”
Cornell:
“Merlins are small, fierce falcons that use surprise attacks to bring down small songbirds and shorebirds. They are powerful fliers, but you can tell them from larger falcons by their rapid wingbeats and overall dark tones. Medieval falconers called them “lady hawks,” and noblewomen used them to hunt Sky Larks. Merlin populations have largely recovered from twentieth-century declines, thanks to a ban on the pesticide DDT and their ability to adapt to life around towns and cities.”

Another Northern Cardinal in good light.

Yellow Rumped Warblers continue to gather in large numbers.

I you live in this area, go outside and look around to see a Ruby Crowned Kinglet.

Today’s Bugs.

Swamp Sparrows aren’t easy to photograph. They are often quite shy.

Bluebirds are plentiful at both Sands Road and Wooton.

Downy Woodpeckers are usually not camera shy.

This Flycatcher may head South soon.

I heard this distant Red Shouldered Hawk screaming long before I saw him.

Savannah Sparrows are easily found at Sands Road.

Today’s Bugs.

Sunrise at Governor Bridge

This Chestnut Sided Warbler was shot in the early morning light with a flash.

This Yellow Throated Vireo is from a couple of days ago. I didn’t realize I had it, and it’s a first for me.

Black Throated Green Warblers were still migrating in good numbers.

I was very lucky to capture two Cape May Warblers in one image.

I’ve never seen so many Cape May Warblers.

This Northern Parula was a mild surprise.

This Northern Cardinal ignored us while he was eating.

This Common Yellowthroat seemed to be solo.

I couldn’t ignore an Eastern Phoebe who was so eager to pose.

This distant Raven is just here for the record-a first.

Red Eyed Vireos are fueling up for migration.

Ruby Crowned Kinglets seem to migrate in large numbers.

This Tufted Titmouse has a real mouthful.

This Yellow Billed Cuckoo hasn’t been around much recently.

I’ve always had trouble getting a good pose from a male American Redstart.

Today’s Bugs