Thousands of Ducks at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The upper part of the bay is largely frozen, so our wintering ducks have found open water near the shipping channel. I was able to get some good looks from the beach at Sandy Point.

All the expected species are present, as well as several Bald Eagles looking for a quick snack.

 

Sandy Point 3

There is snow and ice all along the beach, and many of the ducks are foraging close to shore.

Bay Bridge 104

There was a foot or more snow in some places.

Canvasback 101

Canvasback 100

Canvasback 103

Canvasback 102

There are at least hundreds of Canvasbacks.

Lesser Scaup 174 Lesser Scaup 173

Lesser Scaup 172

Lesser Scaup probably numbered in the thousands.

Ruddy Duck 82

Ruddy Ducks were well represented.

 

Song Sparrow 125

Song Sparrow 124

This Song Sparrow was foraging along the beach.

Common Goldeneye 143

Common Goldeneye 142

Several flocks of Common Goldeneyes flew by.

Bald Eagle 381

Bald Eagle 382

Bald Eagle 380

At least ten Bald Eagles were harassing the ducks.

Dark Eyed Junco 17

This Dark Eyed Junco was in the parking lot looking for my sister.