Red Tailed Hawk at Governor Bridge Natural Area

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Audubon

I decided Governor Bridge was worth another try today, and it wasn’t all bed. Still no warblers to speak of, but an Eagle and a Hawk provided some entertainment. A few other birds were around, and the bug hunting is getting a little better.

Common Yellowthroats are fairly common at Governor Bridge.

Prothonotary Warblers nest at Governor Bridge.

This Bald Eagle was across the lake, so I walked all the way around to get closer, and he actually waited for me.

I’m seeing more Brown Thrashers lately.

Eastern Towhees will perch high and sing at length.

This female Wood Duck was hiding in the lily pads, and I wouldn’t have seen her if she hadn’t fled.

This Red Tailed Hawk was harassing the Eagle when I first saw him.

Today’s bugs.

Blue Grosbeak at Governor Bridge Natural Area

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Audubon

Another day of dithering. Wooton sounded good, but Governor Bridge is producing some good birds, and won out in the end.

It was cold this morning, but warmed up quickly enough. I suspect this delays the birds, who may wait a bit for the insects to become active as they warm up.

There were some decent birds and a few bugs, but I’m still not finding any quantity of warblers.

Blue Gray Gnatcatchers are nesting now.

Common Yellowthroats are often found near water.

Prothonotary Warblers also nest at Governor Bridge.

There are many Indigo Buntings at Governor Bridge.

This Great Blue Heron flew over the big field.

Governor Bridge is a good place to look for Blue Grosbeaks.

Today’s bugs.

Yellow Billed Cuckoo at Governor Bridge Natural Area

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Audubon

People are finding good birds at Governor Bridge, so I gave it a try this morning. It was actually cold for while, with not a lot of action, but things picked up as the sun rose.

A Rusty Blackbird was first, then some Wood Ducks who flew off.

I spent a little time looking for bugs before I had to go off to an appointment.

My first good shot of an Indigo Bunting this season.

These Canada Geese were foraging near the lake.

I should be seeing more Eastern Phoebes.

This is a Blue Gray Gnatcatcher nest.

Governor Bridge is popular with Yellow Billed Cuckoos.

Today’s bugs.

Eastern Kingbird at Terrapin Nature Park

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Audubon

It was a beautiful, cool day, but the migrants remained elusive.

I got to Terrapin right at sunrise, but there just wasn’t any significant migrant movement. Fortunately, the regulars cooperated and I got a few good images.

The Blue Angels put on their final show today, and I managed to get a few more shots.

I waited a while to catch this Osprey fishing.

The Snowy Egrets have returned after being absent for a few days.

I was lucky to get a flight shot of this Wood Duck.

I don’t recall seeing Least Terns at Terrapin in previous years.

A pair of Eastern Kingbirds was flycatching in the meadow near the marsh.

How many planes do you see?

How many planes?

The Blue Angels finished up their air show today.

Blue Angels at Truxtun Park

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Audubon

It was a dark and gloomy morning, so I did some chores and didn’t get out until early afternoon. I don’t usually pay much attention to the annual Blue Angels demonstration as it’s just a noisy annoyance when you live right under the flight path. I didn’t have much choice today, however, as I was doing my bug hunting right under the show.

I found a few bugs despite all the noise.

Just a pretty flower.

Today’s Bugs.

When you’re this close, the noise is impressive.

Lincoln’s Sparrow at Greenbury Point

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Audubon

It was warm, heading quickly toward hot and humid this morning. I decided to try Greenbury Point for a change, and it was barely OK.

The sunrise wasn’t particularly spectacular, and the birds weren’t much to talk about either, with the exception of the Lincoln’s Sparrow, a bird that;s been rare for me.

Sunrise at Possum Point.

Red Eyed Vireos are common, but can be hard to find.

Several Blue Grosbeaks were foraging in the area.

Yellow Breasted Chats regularly breed at Greenbury Point.

The Goldfinches are in breeding plumage

Although I knew about this Osprey platform about a 1/4 mile from the water, this is the first time I’ve seen it occupied.

I was surprised to see this Lincoln’s Sparrow, a first for me at the point.

This Monarch Butterfly may be a bit early.

Eastern Kingbird at Terrapin Nature Park

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Audubon

I gave Terrapin another try this morning, and it was disappointing. I saw a few warblers, but none provided a photo opp. I settled for a few of the regulars.
The bugs were more cooperative, and I found even more in a short afternoon trip to Truxtun Park.

Wood Ducks nest in trees, high off the ground.

I only see Tree Swallows near the marsh ponds.

A pair of Eastern Kingbirds was flycatching near the beach.

Today’s bugs.

And a couple of flowers.

Prairie Warbler at Sands Road Park

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Audubon

Where to go? I flipped a coin this morning and decided on Wooton’s Landing. It wasn’t terribly birdy. but I found a few birds of interest.

It was getting hot, so I decided on a quick stop at Sands Road before heading home. I saw several good birds, but only the Prairie Warbler posed long enough for a decent image.

Some day I’ll get a name.

This Orchard Oriole is a female.

Acadian Flycatcher, I think.

Wood Ducks run off as soon as they see you.

Canada Geese are much more willing to pose.

My first Prairie Warbler of the season.

I only see this beaver when the light is very low.

Today’s Bugs.

Semipalmated Plover at Terrapin Nature Park

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Audubon

I went back to Terrapin, as promised, and there wasn’t a warbler to be seen. I assume last night’s strong South wind was to blame.

I spent some time in the marsh to make up for the lack of warblers, and it all worked out.

I don’t often see a Muskrat out of the water.

Regular readers might recognize the perch where this Red Winged Blackbird is sitting. It’s a favorite of many birds at Terrapin.

I was lucky to catch this Blue Jay as he flew by.

This Great Blue Heron was another lucky fly by.

Cornell: “The smallest of American Terns, the Least Tern is found nesting on sandy beaches along the southern coasts of the United States and up the major river systems far into the interior of the continent.”