An Osprey FIshes at Truxtun Park

A gray and ugly day threatening rain, so I decided to stay close to home. I got to Possum Point early, then went to the Nature Center. This afternoon I stopped at Truxtun Park for a couple of hours. A good day, and the rain was very brief.

Osprey

This Osprey has found a good sized fish for breakfast.

Great Blue Heron

This Great Blue Heron was in a tree near the boat ramp.

Chipping Sparrow

I see Chipping Sparrows more often at the Nature Center than anywhere else.

Baltimore Oriole

I haven’t seen many Baltimore Orioles, so this first year bird was a treat.

Cardinal

This is a truth telling blog, and the truth is that Cardinals, like all birds, molt.

Yellow Warbler

A distant Yellow Warbler.

Goldfinch

Goldfinch

This Goldfinch was foraging with a companion.

Double Crested Cormorant

Notice how low in the water this Double Crested Cormorant sits.

Double Crested Cormorant

Double Crested Cormorant

Double Crested Cormorant

When he’s ready to leave, the Double Crested Cormorant springs directly from the water.

Mockingbird

There are so many Mockingbirds I often pass them by, but this was a perfect pose.

Great Crested Flycatcher

The Great Crested Flycatcher is a favorite of mine.

Prairie Warbler

I’m calling this a Prairie Warbler for now.

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbirds are still plentiful.

Starling

The Starling isn’t an attractive bird, but there are many of them.

Chickadee

Everybody likes a Chickadee.

Northern Flicker

You can see here why the Northern Flicker used to be known as “Yellow Shafted.”

Magnolia Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

I’m calling this a Magnolia Warbler until corrected.

Osprey

Osprey

You can get a good look at the Osprey’s serious talons here.

Great Blue Heron

This Great Blue Heron flew in while I was standing around, so I waited to see what would happen.

Great Blue Heron

So then, he went after a fish.

Great Blue Heron

And he caught a nice size shad.

Great Blue Heron

Now what?

Great Blue Heron

After some judicious juggling, he got it turned around and swallowed it.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Great Blue Heron in Flight

And then he flew off.