I didn’t do much yesterday, as the weatherman had predicted snow/rain, but I did get out briefly to Thomas Point, where not much was going on.
I was toying with the idea of going to Bombay Hook, DE, but gas is expensive, and it’s a long drive (Nearly 2 hours) .
I settled on returning to Blackwater because I’ve done so well there.
In going through the images, I see Green Winged Teals and Ring Necked Ducks that I hadn’t noticed, as they were at such a long distance. The Teals are a first for me, otherwise I might not post the pictures.
It was another good day for Hawks and Eagles, and I may have a few good images.
I didn’t get a good look at these ducks as they were so far away, so I was happy to see they are Ring Necked Ducks.
These Green Winged Teals were foraging in the marsh pond near the observation platform.
Cornell:
“A very small, brightly patterned duck, the Green-winged Teal prefers shallow ponds with lots of emergent vegetation. Along the coast, it prefers tidal creeks, mudflats, and marshes to more open water.”
The colorful drake gets all the press, so here’s a hen Northern Shoveller.
This dead tree is a favorite perch for Bald Eagles.
This Cooper’s Hawk was being pursued by a Crow.
The trick for getting images of these American Kestrels when they are perched seems to be to drive past them, then walk as close as you can.
I saw more American Coots than usual.
These two immature Bald Eagles are engaging in a mating ritual.
There are still a few Northern Pintails around.
The Great Blue Heron is a study in concentration when he’s fishing.
I didn’t see the second Great Blue Heron ’til I uploaded this pic.