Common Merganser at Blackwater NWR.

I left early to get to Blackwater around sunrise.  It was a good day to be there. I’ve seen Common Mergansers there before, but never quite so close. Unfortunately, my camera was acting up, so the images aren’t very good.

Eagles and ducks were out in numbers, and a quick stop at Oakley Street paid off as well.

Tidal Pool 1

The Tidal Pool at Blackwater.

Lesser Scaup 2017-11

Northern Pintail 2017-1

I used to see more Northern Pintails in the past.

Redhead 2017-3

You can usually find a Redhead at Oakley Street.

American Wigeon 2017-1

The American Wigeon is a handsome bird.

Red Winged Blackbird 2017-1

Red Winged Blackbirds were very active today.

American White Pelican 2017-1

the American White Pelicans were still hanging out on the mud flats.

American White Pelican 2017-23

Many Tundra Swans were foraging in the marsh.

American Kestrel 2017-2

American Kestrel 2017-1

If you’re careful, you can sometimes get a look at a Roadside American Kestrel.

Bald Eagle 2017-14

Bald Eagle 2017-13

Bald Eagle 2017-12

Bald Eagle 2017-11 Bald Eagle 2017-9

Bald Eagle 2017-8

Bald Eagle 2017-7

Bald Eagle 2017-6

Many Bald Eagles were out today.

Northern Shoveler 2017-3

Northern Shoveler 2017-2

I saw more Northern Shovelers today than usual.

Common Merganser 2017-3

Common Merganser 2017-2

Common Merganser 2017-1

I was very disappointed these Common Merganser images didn’t come out better. It’s a cool bird.