Hunting Belted Kingfisher at Thomas Point

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.

Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

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.

Long Tailed Duck

This Long Tailed Duck was slowly cruising quite close to shore.

Red Tailed Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk

This Red Tailed Hawk was overlooking a marsh full of Red Winged Blackbirds.

Red Winged Blackbird.

This Red Winged Blackbird. was singing loudly for a mate.

Wood Duck 21

Wood Duck 23

Wood Duck 22

Wood Duck

Wood Duck

Wood Duck

I didn’t find the Snipe, but this guy and his mate flew in shortly after I arrived.

Bufflehead

Bufflehead are often very active, but this one was taking a break

Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan

The Tundra Swans will be heading North soon.

Canvasback

Canvasback

Canvasback

This Canvasback hen will be heading West to breed soon.

Canvasback

Canvasback

Canvasback

Canvasback

Landing isn’t as graceful as flying.

Tundra Swan

A boat went by, and all the Tundra Swans took off at once.

Canvasback

The Canvasbacks also took to the air.