Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge

I decided to visit Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge this morning. I called ahead to verify hours and places, and was misdirected by the biologist who answered the phone. A staff member at the North Tract directed me to the South Tract, which opens at Sunrise, my preferred birding time. I met a couple of interesting birders, including a guy from New Zealand who knows Lucy Lawless, star of the greatest TV series of all time.

Bluebird

There is a nesting box attached to the pole this Bluebird is sitting on.

Great Blue Heron

I haven’t seen a Great Blue Heron quite this deep in the water before.

Yellow Billed Cuckoo

As soon as I started down the path, I saw a shaking in the tree nearest me, and managed this shot of a rather elusive Yellow Billed Cuckoo.

Sparrow

This Sparrow has me confused, so I’m checking for an ID. Update:Juvenile Chipping Sparrow

Sparrow

Yet another unknown Sparrow, but I’m working on it. Update:The experts are still unsure.

Unknown Juvenile

Another unknown bird. I was with an expert who got only a quick look, and thinks it’s a juvenile of some kind. Update-it’s likely a Juvenile Bluebird.

Common Yellwothroat (Female)

This appears to be a Common Yellowthroat female, but I’m double checking.

Eastern Phoebe

I’m not positive of this ID yet.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

This Great Blue Heron was being harassed by a swallow as he flew across the lake.

Great Blue Heron

I’ve seen a lot of Great Blue Herons, but this one is particularly colorful, in a nice setting.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

With a little luck I got this Great Blue Heron as he was landing.

Canada Goose Family

This family of Canadian Geese headed serenely across the lake.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Here he is again, just because I like this shot.

Hermit Thrush

I saw this Hermit Thrush just as I entered the woods, which abounded with insects. I was stung on the lip shortly after this, and had a fat lip for several hours.

Eastern Kingbird

This Eastern Kingbird posed very nicely.

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallows and Bluebirds seem to compete for nesting boxes at Patuxent Wildlife Refuge.