Slow Birding, Fort Smallwood Park and Terrapin Nature Park

After completing a small job yesterday morning, I headed for Fort Smallwood under clear skies and nice temps in the 50s. It’s a beautiful, well maintained park on the bay in Pasadena, but 2 hours produced very few results. I walked nearly the whole length of the waterfront, and spent some time in the woods, but the birds weren’t cooperating. I did so poorly I didn’t post anything yesterday.
Today I arrived at Terrapin Nature Park around 7:00, anticipating a much better day, but it was slow there as well. I did see a young dead deer, which is a first, but the avian population was sparse and reluctant to pose.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

I saw several hawks at Fort Smallwood, but most flew off as soon as they were in sight. This Sharp Shinned Hawk flew overhead near the water.

Flicker

This pair of Flickers was foraging in the leaves.

Blue Jay

There was a large and active Blue Jay population at the park.

Dark Eyed Junco

This Dark Eyed Junco chose a nice place to pose.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Great Blue Heron in Flight

I’ve seen many Great Blue Herons in flight, and it’s an elegant visual experience.

Ring Billed Gull

This Ring Billed Gull was one of the very few waterbirds I saw.

Canada Goose

These Canada Geese were probably searching for food.

Bufflehead Duck

This small flock of Bufflehead Ducks seemed to be enjoying the weather.

Mockingbird

I pass up many more Mockingbirds than I shoot, but this one posed with a nice background.

Deer

I have no idea what happened to this very young deer. The Turkey Vultures were gathering only a short while later.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

This is an unusual pose for a Downy Woodpecker. I can’t recall getting a perched Downy from the front. Notice how the stiff tail is propping him up.