Purple Martin at Terrapin Nature Park

It was a beautiful morning; clear and sunny with temps in the 70s. A perfect day to be looking for birds.

I got the park a little after dawn and went right to the marsh ponds, where I spent most of my time. I saw at least 4-5 Green Herons, which is unusual in my experience. I thought the Purple Martin was a Tree Swallow when I first saw it, and it’s  first for me at Terrapin. Egrets and an eagle filled out the morning.

A few nice bugs were easy to find, so it was a good day.

Green Heron 114

Green Heron 113 Green Heron 112 Green Heron 111

Green Heron 108 Green Heron 110

Green Heron 109

This Green Heron was being pursued by a Red Winged Blackbird, something I’ve never seen before.

Caspian Tern

Caspian Terns made a short visit to the ponds.

Snowy Egret 133

Snowy Egret 132

Snowy Egret 130

I assume this Snowy Egret is carrying nesting material.

Red Winged Blackbird 109

Red Winged Blackbird 108

 

Red Winged Blackbird 107

MD marshes are home to many Red Winged Blackbirds.

Bald Eagle 419

Bald Eagles seem to be scarcer in the Summer.

Purple Martin 102

Purple Martin 100

 

Purple Martin 101

I don’t see many Purple Martins.

Deer-52

This young White Tail Deer got quite close before he spotted me.

Beetle 18 Katydid 11 Beetle 17 Damsel Fly 34

 

Beetle 19

Today’s bugs.