Northern Pintail at Blackwater NWR

The weatherman promised warm (50) and sunny, and he delivered. I’m not a fan of driving long distances, but Blackwater has been so good that I made the trip again.
I was greeted by a beautiful Cooper’s Hawk and went on to get two life birds (Northern Pintail and Common Merganser).
Bald Eagles and Hawks were present in abundance, as well as a few nice ducks.
The trip doesn’t seem so long now.

Cooper's Hawk 30

Cooper's Hawk

This Cooper’s Hawk was waiting for me at the observation site.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons are very common at Blackwater.

Red Winged Blackbird.

Red Winged Blackbird.

Red Winged Blackbirds were much more common than on previous visits..

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

I saw several pair of Hooded Mergansers, but they often fly away when they see you.

Downy Woodpecker

Blackwater was very quiet today, and this Downy Woodpecker was audible from a long way off.

American Coot

There were more American Coots than usual.

American White Pelican

This is the same American White Pelican who was present last week.

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail

This Northern Pintail is the first I’ve seen.
Cornell:
“The Northern Pintail is among the earliest nesting ducks in North America, beginning shortly after ice-out in many northern areas.”

Northern Shoveller

Northern Shoveller

The Northern Shoveller is a weird looking duck.

Killdeer

This is the first Killdeer I’ve seen at Blackwater.

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

This Northern Harrier was hunting vigorously.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

This Bald Eagle was soaking up the rays, and was in no hurry to move.

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

It’s very common to see an American Kestrel perched on the wires by the side of a country road, but they usually fly off if you stop for a photo op.
Cornell:
“North America’s littlest falcon, the American Kestrel packs a predator’s fierce intensity into its small body. It’s one of the most colorful of all raptors: the male’s slate-blue head and wings contrast elegantly with his rusty-red back and tail; the female has the same warm reddish on her wings, back, and tail. Hunting for insects and other small prey in open territory, kestrels perch on wires or poles, or hover facing into the wind, flapping and adjusting their long tails to stay in place. Kestrels are declining in parts of their range; you can help them by putting up nest boxes.”

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

When the Kestrel finally flew, this Red Tailed Hawk seemed to go after him.

Common Merganser

Common Merganser

Common Merganser

A fellow birder pointed out this distant Common Merganser. It’s a first for me.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles engage in mock aerial combat as part of their mating ritual.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

This immature Bald Eagle flew right over me and put on a great show.