I got a late start today after some chores and a late night. The predicted rain didn’t fall, so I made the rounds quickly without much result.
Horned Grebes seem to be more common than usual.
This Osprey was eating his breakfast not far from his nest.
The weatherman predicted rain for most of the day, so I goofed off for several hours this morning until I realized it was bright, sunny and warm. I packed up my gear and headed out to Thomas Point, where I found a Common Loon and a molting Grebe. A stop at Quiet Waters and Truxtun Park didn’t turn up much, and I got home in the early afternoon.
This Horned Grebe is molting for the breeding season.
This Common Loon was a few feet offshore and posed nicely. He dove shortly afterward and I never saw him again despite great visibility. They’ve done that before and I still don’t know how they do it.
This Long Tailed Duck was paddling about slowly and didn’t seem to have a care in the world.
Surf Scoters are still present in small numbers.
Buffleheads are still common.
This tree was occupied by several Turkey Vultures
This Mallard appeared to be curious about me.
The Lesser Scaup is also known as the “Bluebill.”
The weather was much better today, warmer and far less wind, ‘though it did pick up about 11:00.
I had decided yesterday to head back to CBEC to examine it more thoroughly, and that turned out to be a good decision. I often dither about this problem, so it was nice to have a firm destination.
Ducks were more numerous, and I found a Grebe as well as a Tree Swallow. I also ran into some regulars (Hi, Polly et. al.) who gave me some good tips on birding the area.
This handsome Tree Swallow was perched on the wires along the entrance road.
This Red Tailed Hawk was also perched along the entrance road.
This Horned Grebe was by himself, like all such birds I’ve seen so far.
This Great Blue Heron was loudly disturbed that I interrupted his fishing.
This is the same Osprey with the missing foot that I saw yesterday.
Ring Billed Gulls are so common I often pass them by, but this guy posed well.
Polly and her sons told me where to find these Green Winged Teals.
This Song Sparrow was foraging along the marsh trail.
The Rabbits here are as tame as they are at Terrapin Nature Park.
This Red Tailed Hawk was flying over one of the ponds.
I heard Bluebirds singing in most parts of the park.
Bald Eagles are unmistakable, even at a distance.
The weatherman got it right again:cold and very windy. I decided to try Terrapin Nature Park early, then head to CBEC, as they don’t open until 9:00. I found eagles and Ospreys at both places.
CBEC has an extensive area of birdable marshes, with lots of open space for hawks and other raptors, as well as extensive brush and woods, so I’ll be heading back soon.
My sister insists.
Look closely and you’ll see this Osprey is missing a foot. He seems to be surviving quite well without it.
This Red Winged Blackbird. is in breeding plumage and singing for a mate.
Bald Eagles are easy to find at this time of year.
These Gadwalls were camera-shy.
The weatherman delivered on his promise of warm and sunny, and Blackwater lived up to its reputation. I was surrounded by Eagles, and many other birds chose to pose. I did 4 loops of Wildlife Drive and could have done many more. but duty called, and I headed home around noon.
This nest is near the end of Wildlife Drive.
When this Bald Eagle took off, I thought he was going fishing, but he gathered some nesting material.
I haven’t seen a Tree Swallow since last Fall.
This Yellow Rumped Warbler landed right in front of me.
This Ring Necked Duck is in breeding plumage.
I disturbed this Great Blue Heron and flew right across my position.
I don’t know if these Northern Flickers are feuding or courting.
There were fewer ducks than usual, but Northern Shovellers were present in large numbers.
This is the first time I’ve seen Gadwalls at Blackwater.
These Mallards gave me an opportunity for some flight shots.
The Ospreys have definitely returned!
First Chipping Sparrow since last Fall.
American Coots were numerous.
This Red Tailed Hawk took off shortly after I saw him.
It was pouring rain until about 2:00, so I spent the morning doing dreaded, much needed chores. I suppose rain is good, as I often accomplish necessary jobs when I can’t get out.
Two of the local parks are closed on Tuesdays, so I went to Truxtun Park in hopes of finding another Osprey or Hawk, and was surprised to run into an Eastern Phoebe, but there wasn’t much else to see.
I haven’t seen an Eastern Phoebe since the Fall, ‘though I understand some Winter here.
This Cardinal sang from the same branch for nearly an hour.
Well, the weatherman got it right-very cloudy with fog and temps in the high 40s early. I was ambivalent about birding n the lousy weather, but I decided to check up on the Snipe, and that was a bust. Quiet Waters was also a waste of time as the fog was very thick.
After a trip home and a few chores, I made a quick trip to Truxtun Park, where an Osprey saved the day.
Two male Buffleheads are still hanging out at the pond on Rte. 450.
This Osprey flew right over my head. It’s the first I’ve seen this year at Truxtun Park.
Perfect, perfect, perfect weather. It was just cold enough this morning that I was glad I had my gloves, but after a couple of hours I didn’t need them. The sky was nearly cloudless.
I went back to the marsh on Rte. 450 in a vain hunt for the Snipe, but the Wood Duck was still hanging out. A Red Tailed Hawk was hunting in an adjacent marsh. I then drove to Thomas Point, where a Belted Kingfisher put on a show for me. There were a few nice ducks at the point, and I stopped at my friend’s house on Thomas Point Road, where hundreds of Canvasbacks were resting. I was tired but exhilarated by the time I got home.
When I first spotted this Belted Kingfisher, it was at a distance and I thought it was a Blue Jay. I’ve never seen a Belted Kingfisher at Thomas Point before, so he was a nice find. He then proceeded to start fishing, and I got a few decent flight shots.
This Long Tailed Duck was slowly cruising quite close to shore.
This Red Tailed Hawk was overlooking a marsh full of Red Winged Blackbirds.
This Red Winged Blackbird. was singing loudly for a mate.
I didn’t find the Snipe, but this guy and his mate flew in shortly after I arrived.
Bufflehead are often very active, but this one was taking a break
The Tundra Swans will be heading North soon.
This Canvasback hen will be heading West to breed soon.
Landing isn’t as graceful as flying.
A boat went by, and all the Tundra Swans took off at once.
The Canvasbacks also took to the air.
I awoke to Spring-like weather and eagerly set out to find a Snipe reported in Odenton. I didn’t find it, but a trio of Wood Ducks was a nice consolation prize. I also stopped at my friend Emily’s spot near Rte. 3 and then proceeded to Patuxent NWR, wher I got a look at the Trumpeter Swan that’s been reported for the last couple of weeks. An excellent day, and I can’t wait for tomorrow!
The hen is very subdued compared to the drake.
These Northern Pintails are accompanied by a pair of Northern Shovelers.
These Canada Geese are having a morning siesta.
Several people had trailered their horses to Patuxent NWR for a ride.
I haven’t seen many Ring Necked Ducks
This may be a Trumpeter Swan. I’m waiting for an expert opinion.
Gotta’ keep my sister happy.
This Great Blue Heron was feeding with the Pintails.
I’d hate to be a weatherman around here. Predictions were all over the map, so I did some chores and helped out a friend with a computer project before heading to Quiet Waters and Truxtun Park to see what I could find.
There was plenty of Sun (and wind) for a while, and I got a few good images before the darkening skies convinced me to quit.
This Red Bellied Woodpecker seemed unusually colorful, with extensive red on his belly.
This Great Blue Heron is often perched on this log in the corner of a cove in Quiet Waters.
This Downy Woodpecker flew to several trees before posing for me.
This Cardinal was singing loudly and at length.
This the first time I’ve seen a female Red Breasted Merganser alone.
I haven’t seen a Yellow Rumped Warbler in a while.
The female Bluebird is somewhat less colorful than the male.
Cooper’s Hawks are reliable visitors to Truxtun Park.