Surf Scoters at Thomas Point Park

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Hugh

The weatherman has been consistently wrong for two days now. “Sunny and 61” turned out to be cloudy and 40. Who will rid me of this troublesome Winter?
I started at Quiet Waters, where I found some good birds in poor light, then made a fast trip to Thomas Point, where the strong North wind was cold and uncomfortable.
Some Mergansers and Scoters posed willingly, making for a decent day overall.

I seldom see so many Red Breasted Mergansers.

Some day I’ll get a Belted Kingfisher in perfect light.

It’s getting late for Surf Scoters.

River Otter at Schoolhouse Pond

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Hugh

Our local weatherman promised sunny and warm and we got cloudy and cold with a few sprinkles. Some days I feel as though I shouldn’t bother with taking pictures in such light, but the technology is getting better and I hate to miss a chance to go out.
This is my second trip to Schoolhouse Pond, and I anticipate making several more this year.

I haven’t seen an Eastern Towhee in a while.

White Throated Sparrows will be heading North soon.

This Osprey wasn’t having much luck.

This American Coot seemed to be the only one in the pond.

This Great Blue Heron was fishing under the pier.

It’s hard to get a Tree Swallow in flight.

Northern Shovellers seem to like this pond.

Wilson’s Snipes have near perfect camouflage.

I arrived early enough to see these River Otters, who are largely nocturnal.

Red Breasted Merganser at Quiet Waters Park

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Hugh

Once again was undecided where to go, so the truck drove me to Wooton. It was cold and cloudy, and only a Harrier saved me from a wasted trip.
I went home and took a short nap and decided to try Quiet Waters, where I did much better.

This Northern Harrier flew by quickly, and I didn’t realize what it was until I uploaded it.

This Downy Woodpecker landed right above me, as often happens with these birds

I had good light for this Red Bellied Woodpecker.

It’s been a while since I got a good look at a White Breasted Nuthatch.

I heard a lot of Bluebirds in the woods.

This Osprey is settling in at Wooton.

This Belted Kingfisher was hunting in a small cove.

I’ve seen hundreds of Red Breasted Mergansers, but this is the first time I’ve seen one with a fish.

Osprey at Quiet Waters Park

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Hugh

The weatherman was correct;cold and very windy. I headed to Quiet Waters early in hopes of seeing some migrating ducks or other early migrants.
I did get my first Osprey pic of the year, and a few nice ducks, but no surprises.

This Yellow Rumped Warbler is not in breeding plumage yet.

This Great Blue Heron was fishing quietly.j

It’s a good time of year to see Hooded Mergansers.

I was lucky to catch this Osprey fishing in the small cove.

Several Red Breasted Mergansers were in the river.

Mallards are regulars at the park.

This Horned Grebe was at Blue Heron Pavillion.

Robins were foraging by the dozen

I’ve had good luck finding Hermit Thrushes at Quiet Waters.

Gadwall at Quiet Waters Park

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Hugh

I had to work this morning, so I didn’t get out until 11:00. A quick trip to Thomas Point didn’t turn up much, and I missed some good birds who flew away as I arrived. It was windy and cold, so went to Quiet Waters for a quick look before the rain arrived. The Gadwall was a nice find, and I saw three Ospreys who didn’t pose for me.

Buffleheads are still gathering at the point.

These Canvasbacks will be heading West soon.

I haven’t seen many Gadwalls.

Tree Swallow at Wooton Wetlands Preserve

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Hugh

It was cloudy and warming this morning, just as the weatherman predicted. I went to Wooton, just because I hadn’t been there in a while. The light was very poor, but it was nicew to see the swallows have returned. Two racoons provided a nice opportunity also.

Not much of a picture, but it’s the first Northern Harrier I’ve seen at Wooton.

A River Otter was fishing in one of the ponds.

Tree Swallows are a sure sign of Spring.

These Mallards flew over as I was watching the Swallows.

Two Raccoons walked in front of me as I approached the marsh.

Brown Creeper at Governor Bridge Natural Area

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Hugh

The weather looked promising this morning, so I decided to try Governor Bridge, which I haven’t visited in a while.
In truth, it was disappointing, and only a Brown Creeper made the trip worthwhile.

I seldom see ducks at Governor Bridge, so these Ring Necked Ducks were a surprise.

This tiny (4.5-5.3″) Brown Creeper is often difficult to photograph.

Long Tailed Duck at Thomas Point

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Hugh

Decent weather at last. It was a little chilly this morning, but the weatherman promised sunny and warmish, so I left early for Quiet Waters. Quiet Waters was very quiet, and there’s still some ice on the paths, so I went to Thomas Point after an hour or so, where I did a little better. The duck population was small, but the conditions couldn’t have been better.

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.

Song Sparrow 80 Song Sparrow

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

Red Necked Grebe at Thomas Point

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Hugh

I saw a doctor about my arm injury yesterday, and had an MRI today. It seems that I have fractured my humerus. I’m seeing another doctor Monday to resolve the issue. So much for being doctor adverse.

I’ve only gotten out for a short time the last few days, so I’m including a few of those pictures along with the very nice Grebe I found this morning.

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.

Common Loon at Thomas Point

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Hugh

I debated going out at all, until it became apparent there would be at least a little sunlight and warmish. I headed straight to Thomas Point, not expecting much, and I was pleasantly surprised.
The Loon image isn’t very good, but it’s the first of the year, so I’ll take it.