Orchard Oriole at Blackwater NWR.

I had a very good day today. The weather was perfect, with good light, and the birds cooperated very nicely.

The cast of characters at Blackwater is changing a bit, with more Terns and Snowy Egrets  and fewer large wading birds.

I got some good looks at the Terns and my Red Headed friend,as well as some Purple Martins who are getting ready to migrate soon.

Blackwater Dawn 18

Blackwater Dawn.

Eastern Kingbird 2017-18

This Eastern Kingbird was the first bird I saw this morning.

Snowy Egret 2017-55

Snowy Egret 2017-56

Snowy Egrets are just arriving at Blackwater.

Chickadee 2017-7

I c aught this Chickadee at the right moment.

Barn Swallow 2017-29

The Barn Swallow colony is still at the bridge.

Great Blue Heron 2017-75

This Great Blue Heron appeared to be chilling.

Tree Swallow 2017-68

Many Tree Swallows were feeding along Wildlife Drive.

Great Egret 2017-87

I only found 4 Great Egrets this morning.

Green Heron 2017-16

2 Green Herons were resting along the roadside.

Forster's Tern 2017-18

Many Forster’s Terns were roosting in the marsh.

Red Headed Woodpecker 2017-56

The bird on the left is a juvenile.

Red Headed Woodpecker 2017-55

Red Headed Woodpecker 2017-57

The Red Headed Woodpeckers are still very active.

Forster's Tern 2017-17 Forster's Tern 2017-16 Forster's Tern 2017-15 Forster's Tern 2017-14 Forster's Tern 2017-13 Forster's Tern 2017-12 Forster's Tern 2017-11 Forster's Tern 2017-10 Forster's Tern 2017-9 Forster's Tern 2017-8

Forster's Tern 2017-18

Many Forster’s Terns were roosting in the marsh.

Bald Eagle 2017-143 Bald Eagle 2017-142 Bald Eagle 2017-141

Bald Eagle 2017-144

There’s always several Bald Eagle to be seen at Blackwater.

Double Crested Cormorant 2017-19

Double Crested Cormorant 2017-20

These Double Crested Cormorants are at the bridge on Key Wallace Drive.

Orchard Oriole 2017-16

I haven’t seen an Orchard Oriole in awhile.