Hooded Merganser at Quiet Waters Park

It would be hard to get better December birding weather than today. When I left the house around 8:30 AM, it was in the low 40s, and gradually warmed a few degrees. One disadvantage of really cold weather is the need to wear gloves, which makes the camera a little harder to use. Today, I had the gloves off by 10:00.
I started at Thomas Point State Park, where I found a Long Tailed Duck, then drove a short distance to Quiet Waters, where there was more variety, including the title duck, and a very cooperative Sharp Shinned Hawk. I made a stop at Truxtun Park on the way home, where I found a few Mallards. A good day to be a birder.

Greater Scaup

I’m not great at Identifying birds, but my Sibleys leads me to believe this is a female Greater Scaup.

Bufflehead

Bufflehead

Bufflehead

Buffleheads often fly away when I’m observing, so I was ready for this pair.

Long Tailed Duck

This is only the second Long Tailed Duck I’ve seen, and I think they were solitary each time.

Lesser Scaup

Lesser Scaup

This drake is probably a Lesser Scaup.

Great Blue Heron

I was lucky to be observing this Great Blue Heron just as he caught breakfast.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

I’ve missed birds lkike this Sharp-Shinned Hawk in the past, but I’ve learned to look up more often.

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

This drake Hooded Merganser was on the far side of a cove when I spotted him. I walked a good half mile through the woods to get closer, whereupon he flew off.

Bluebird

I don’t often see Bluebirds at Quiet Waters.


Here’s a look at a Downy Woodpecker earning his meal.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

This Downy Woodpecker ignored my presence, as they often do.

Mallard

Mallards are so common I sometimes forget how colorful they are.