Eastern Kingbird at Blackwater NWR.

I haven’t heard anything good about the local spots, so I went back to Blackwater this morning. I spoke with a volunteer, who thinks the lack of birds has to do with the heat and humidity, and she may be right. She directed me to the visitor center, which I visit only rarely, and I found a few birds there.

There far fewer birds along Wildlife Drive, so I guess we’ll have to wait for cooler weather for more variety and quantity.

Blackwater Dawn 19

Blackwater Dawn.

Dock 2

Another try at the dock on Key Wallace Drive.

Double Crested Cormorant 2017-24

There’s always a few Cormorants and gulls hanging around at the dock.

Barn Swallow 2017-30

There’s still plenty of Barn Swallows around.

Double Crested Cormorant 2017-25 Double Crested Cormorant 2017-23 Double Crested Cormorant 2017-22 Double Crested Cormorant 2017-21

Double Crested Cormorant 2017-26

This Double Crested Cormorant wasn’t having much luck.

Purple Martin 2017-20 Purple Martin 2017-19

Purple Martin 2017-21

A few Purple Martins were cruising for bugs at the visitor center.

Eastern Kingbird 2017-21 Eastern Kingbird 2017-20

Eastern Kingbird 2017-22

This Eastern Kingbird flew right over my head.

Forster's Tern 2017-34 Forster's Tern 2017-33 Forster's Tern 2017-32 Forster's Tern 2017-31

Forster's Tern 2017-35

Many Forster’s Terns were roosting in the marsh.

Great Egret 2017-92

Great Egret 2017-93

This lone Great Egret was on Wildlife Drive.

Red Headed Woodpecker 2017-59

Red Headed Woodpecker 2017-60

The Red Headed Woodpeckers were very vocal today.

Brown Headed Nuthatch 2017-23

Brown Headed Nuthatch 2017-24

It’s a treat to watch Brown Headed Nuthatches up close.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2017-10 Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2017-9 Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2017-8

Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2017-11

There’s a nice flower garden at the visitor center, which attracts Hummingbirds and butterflies.

Skunk 9

My Skunk buddy was right in the middle of the road this morning.