Hooded Merganser at Blackwater NWR.

We were promised sunny weather, so I made the trek to Blackwater this morning after several days of crummy weather. The weather was certainly good enough, but there were fewer birds than I had hoped.

Eagles, Geese and Swans dominated, but other species, like ducks. were not as numerous as in the past. I ventured further afield than usual, but had no luck.

Still, it was good enough, and I expect to make more trips soon.

Northern Shoveler 2018-6

I only found one pair of Northern Shovelers.

Great Blue Heron 2018-9

Several Great Blue Herons were standing guard in the marsh.

Snow Goose 2018-15

There were three different flocks of Snow Geese.

Red Winged Blackbird 2018-2

I found more Red Winged Blackbirds than usual.

Bald Eagle 2018-11

Bald Eagle 2018-12

This Bald Eagle flew off just as I approached.

Delmarva Fox Squirrel 30

Delmarva Fox Squirrel 29

I haven’t seen a Delmarva Fox Squirrel in quite a while.

Hooded Merganser 2018-24 Hooded Merganser 2018-22 Hooded Merganser 2018-21 Hooded Merganser 2018-20

Hooded Merganser 2018-23

There were only a few Hooded Mergansers, and they spooked easily, as usual.