Depot Pond is just a couple of blocks from Schoolhouse Pond, so I tried it first this morning. It’s excellent habitat, shallow marsh surrounded by good size trees, but it’s not a photographer’s site. Access is very limited because of dense growth. I got a couple of decent images and moved on to Schoolhouse Pond, which was much slower than yesterday.

I made a quick stop at Truxtun looking for bugs on the way home.

Cornell: “A native of northern and central Eurasia, the Mute Swan was introduced into North America to grace the ponds of parks and estates. Escaped individuals have established breeding populations in several areas, where their aggressive behavior threatens native waterfowl.”

This Osprey is hovering prior to pouncing.

Several Mallards were hanging out at the pond.

This Canada Goose appeared to be bathing.

House Sparrows seem to enjoy the pond.

It’s tough to catch a Tree Swallow in flight.

I wasted far too much time trying to catch Barn Swallows in flight.

Today’s bugs.

I haven’t been to Schoolhouse Pond in a while, so I took a chance this morning. I missed a Black Crowned Night Heron, who took off as I arrived, and some of the large birds were so close I had to reduce the zoom and shoot in DX mode to keep them in the frame.

I didn’t get anything great, but I may try again tomorrow.

Turtles were sunning everywhere.

This Eastern Phoebe may be nesting under the dock.

Tree Swallows seem to be nesting nearby.

There are several House Sparrows in the area.

This Grackle was foraging right behind me.

At least two Ospreys were fishing in the pond.

The Great Blue Herons were very active.

Barn Swallows are nesting also.

The threat of rain kept me home for an hour or so, and I got a late start this morning. Governor Bridge seemed as a good a choice as any, and I got there around 7:00.

There was a little activity, and I found a couple of birds right away, but it didn’t last long, so I spent some time bug hunting before I went off to do some chores.

This is a female Blue Grosbeak.

You can usually find Goldfinches in the big field.

This Northern Parula was foraging at the small pond near the parking lot.

Today’s bugs.

I went back to the heronry this morning to check on the progress of the birds. I verified at least two chicks, and I suspect there are several more. There’s heavy foliage, and most the nests aren’t in full view.

A kingbird and a Blue Crab made an appearance as well.

I don’t often get a chance to photograph Blue Crabs.

I’m seeing a lot of Eastern Kingbirds lately.

The heronry was very noisy.

I thought it was going to rain this morning; dark skies and serious clouds made me think about staying home, but I decided to give Greenbury Point a try. It was a real waste of time. The clouds didn’t clear for two hours and I didn’t get a single worthwhile bird image.

Truxtun Park was a little better, with some interesting bugs and flowers, but it just wasn’t a bird kind of day.

I’m told this is a Yellow Poplar.

Today’s bugs.

Back to Wooton this morning. It was very active, and Orchard Orioles were numerous. There wasn’t much action in the big pond, but I hope to see some Egrets and herons soon.

A quick stop at Sands Road produced an unusual number of Field Sparrows.

I saw this Eastern Kingbird gathering nesting material in the same spot several times.

I haven’t seem many female Common Yellowthroats lately.

These Canada Goose gosling are growing quickly.

I caught this Ruby Throated Hummingbird feeding, but the images weren’t very good.

The Field Sparrows were feeding deep in the grass, and had me surrounded.

This appears to be a Northern Watersnake.

I decided Governor Bridge was worth another try today, and it wasn’t all bed. Still no warblers to speak of, but an Eagle and a Hawk provided some entertainment. A few other birds were around, and the bug hunting is getting a little better.

Common Yellowthroats are fairly common at Governor Bridge.

Prothonotary Warblers nest at Governor Bridge.

This Bald Eagle was across the lake, so I walked all the way around to get closer, and he actually waited for me.

I’m seeing more Brown Thrashers lately.

Eastern Towhees will perch high and sing at length.

This female Wood Duck was hiding in the lily pads, and I wouldn’t have seen her if she hadn’t fled.

This Red Tailed Hawk was harassing the Eagle when I first saw him.

Today’s bugs.

Another day of dithering. Wooton sounded good, but Governor Bridge is producing some good birds, and won out in the end.

It was cold this morning, but warmed up quickly enough. I suspect this delays the birds, who may wait a bit for the insects to become active as they warm up.

There were some decent birds and a few bugs, but I’m still not finding any quantity of warblers.

Blue Gray Gnatcatchers are nesting now.

Common Yellowthroats are often found near water.

Prothonotary Warblers also nest at Governor Bridge.

There are many Indigo Buntings at Governor Bridge.

This Great Blue Heron flew over the big field.

Governor Bridge is a good place to look for Blue Grosbeaks.

Today’s bugs.

People are finding good birds at Governor Bridge, so I gave it a try this morning. It was actually cold for  while, with not a lot of action, but things picked up as the sun rose.

A Rusty Blackbird was first, then some Wood Ducks who flew off.

I spent a little time looking for bugs before I had to go off to an appointment.

My first good shot of an Indigo Bunting this season.

These Canada Geese were foraging near the lake.

I should be seeing more Eastern Phoebes.

This is a Blue Gray Gnatcatcher nest.

Governor Bridge is popular with Yellow Billed Cuckoos.

Today’s bugs.

It was a beautiful, cool day, but the migrants remained elusive.

I got to Terrapin right at sunrise, but there just wasn’t any significant migrant movement.  Fortunately, the regulars cooperated and I got a few good images.

The Blue Angels put on their final show today, and I managed to get a few more shots.

I waited a while to catch this Osprey fishing.

The Snowy Egrets have returned after being absent for a few days.

I was lucky to get a flight shot of this Wood Duck.

I don’t recall seeing Least Terns at Terrapin in previous years.

A pair of Eastern Kingbirds was flycatching in the meadow near the marsh.

How many planes do you see?

How many planes?

The Blue Angels finished up their air show today.