With everything closed on Tuesday, and commuter traffic heading West. I went East to Blackwater.
It was actually pretty good, but ducks are in short supply. Eagles and squirrels made up for it.
I managed only a short trip to Thomas Point on this gray morning as I had work to do. A Common Eider was seen there a couple of days ago, so there were several birders looking hard, but it hadn’t been found when I left.
The good news is that there was a good variety of species, so it may be a better year than last year.
The weatherman promised a sunny day, and he delivered, for a change. The local parks are closed for Christmas, so I headed to College Park to check out the ducks.
Oddly, there were very few, but the Trumpeter Swan was very cooperative.
I decided to try Buddy Attick, which hasn’t been good to me recently, and I found a few good, albeit distant, ducks.
I had to work this morning, so it was short day. Quiet Waters was first, and it was barren. There should be some ducks around by now.
Thomas Point really wasn’t any better, but 4 Pelicans showed up as I was leaving, and I managed one half decent shot. These are scarce around here, but a lot seem to be visiting this year.
I left early to get to Blackwater around dawn and beat the traffic. It takes about an hour and a half, and it’s not a bad drive when the traffic is light.
I usually go around Wildlife Loop several times-a nice drive with places to stop. I was surprised to see no Eagles on the first go round, but I ended up seeing 8 or more, including 5 at one time.
There weren’t many ducks yet, and no swans, but there was enough to make the trip worthwhile.
The sunrise was a little better than average this morning. but it could be better. Perhaps the cold weather will help.
Terrapin continues to be sketchy. In past years it was easy to find small birds in every bush, but, so far, they’ve been sparse. It’s still early for ducks, but I’ve seen more in past years. I went to Thomas Point yesterday and found only a few distant birds.