It was a gray and windy morning, with a promise of more of the same, but dry conditions. I got to Terrapin Nature Park about sunrise, and set out for the marsh pond, where I spooked two Bald Eagles sitting in a tree. An opportunity missed, as often happens. Happily, a few birds were more cooperative.
This young deer was more curious than fearful.
Ruddy Ducks continue to occupy the marsh pond in small flocks.
While not as numerous as Ruby Crowns, Golden Crowned Kinglets can be found with a little searching.
This House Finch struck me as unusually colorful.
I saw several large flocks of Dark Eyed Juncos.
This White Throated Sparrow will probably stay for the Winter.
This Turkey Vulture seemed to be on a break.
I saw hundreds of migrating Blue Jays earlier this month.
White Breasted Nuthatches can be very acrobatic.
This Double Crested Cormorant was fishing by himself.
FLickers often shy from the camera, but this girl was very cooperative.
Ruby Crowned Kinglets are also quite acrobatic.
Yellow Rumped Warblers are less numerous than previously.
Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers can be difficult to tell apart, but the long beak suggests this is a Hairy Woodpecker.
This Carolina Wren was one of a pair singing in the bushes.
There seems to be plenty of food for the Cardinals.
This is probably a Red Shouldered Hawk.
This Great Blue Heron was fishing in the marsh pond.