Tree Swallow at Patuxent NWR

I arrived at Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, South Tract, about 6:00 AM and had the place to myself. The plan was to stay until 8:00 or so, then get a look at North Tract, which I haven’t visited before. It was a cool morning, but warmed up very quickly, so I only stayed at North Tract about an hour.

Mockingbird

This Mockingbird was the first bird I saw this morning.

Carolina Wren

This Carolina Wren was singing loudly, greeting the morning, and was a very willing subject.

Carolina Wren

For a brief while, I had two Carolina Wrens in the viewfinder.

Carolina Wren

A classic Carolina Wren shot.

Robin (Juvenile)

This juvenile Robin was foraging in what appeared to be newly planted grass.

Sparrow

I’m not sure which Sparrow this is, but I like the shot.

Cardinal

This female Cardinal was a little camera-shy.

Bluebird

This Bluebird was quite distant in the low light.

Blue Winged Warbler

I’m not sure of this ID (Again). This little guy was very active, and I was able to follow him for several minutes.Update:It’s a female Orchard Oriole.

Canada Goose

This family of Canadian Geese was out for a walk. Later, I saw them foraging in the tall grass.

Sparrow

It was nice of this Sparrow to pose so neatly.

Great Crested Flycatcher

This Great Crested Flycatcher is a little too bright, so he’s just here for the record.

Butterfly

This butterfly was feeding right outside the visitor center at North Tract.

Dragonfly

I couldn’t pass up this Dragonfly who stopped for a while right in front of me.

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher

This Blue Gray Gnatcatcher was at the pond near the North Tract bridge. He flew around quite a bit, but kept returning to the same tree.

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher

Another look at the Gnatcatcher.

Butterfly

Maybe it’s a moth. Someday I’ll find the time to ID these guys.

Tree Swallow

The Tree Swallow is an elegant looking bird.