AA Bird Club at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

The AA Bird Club was kind enough to let me tag along on a trip to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, a large facility on the Rhode River in southern Anne Arundel County. Thank you, Kevin and Dave.
From the SERC Site: “Though initially focused on the Rhode River and Chesapeake Bay, the research quickly took on global significance as researchers began seeing the Chesapeake Bay as a model for the complex environmental issues facing the world. Expanding outward from our main campus, our scientists now conduct comparative studies throughout the world, and a cadre of international scientists visits SERC annually. ”
SERC
This marvelous facility is well worth the visit.

Red Tailed Hawk

This distant Red Tailed Hawk was our first significant sighting.

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing

Large flocks of Cedar Waxwings were in the woods near the river.

Golden Crowned Kinglet

Golden Crowned Kinglet

Golden Crowned Kinglet

We saw Golden Crowned Kinglets everywhere we went.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

We saw at least two Bald Eagles flying overhead.

Diamondback Turtle

“Dinky” the Diamondback Turtle has a nice place in the lobby of the visitor center, and his own Facebook page. Dinky SERC

Royal Tern

Royal Tern

Royal Tern

Royal Tern

This young Royal Tern appeared to be successfully begging for food from one of his parents.

Belted Kingfisher

This Belted Kingfisher gave us a nice flying exhibition.

Deer

We were lucky to see this distant buck, who took off as we entered the field.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Red Bellied Woodpecker

We heard several woodpeckers, but this Red Belly was the only one I could get to pose.

Purple Finch

This Purple Finch was a nice find.