It was a dark and gloomy morning, so I did some chores and didn’t get out until early afternoon. I don’t usually pay much attention to the annual Blue Angels demonstration as it’s just a noisy annoyance when you live right under the flight path. I didn’t have much choice today, however, as I was doing my bug hunting right under the show.
I found a few bugs despite all the noise.
Just a pretty flower.
Today’s Bugs.
When you’re this close, the noise is impressive.
It was warm, heading quickly toward hot and humid this morning. I decided to try Greenbury Point for a change, and it was barely OK.
The sunrise wasn’t particularly spectacular, and the birds weren’t much to talk about either, with the exception of the Lincoln’s Sparrow, a bird that;s been rare for me.
Sunrise at Possum Point.
Red Eyed Vireos are common, but can be hard to find.
Several Blue Grosbeaks were foraging in the area.
Yellow Breasted Chats regularly breed at Greenbury Point.
The Goldfinches are in breeding plumage
Although I knew about this Osprey platform about a 1/4 mile from the water, this is the first time I’ve seen it occupied.
I was surprised to see this Lincoln’s Sparrow, a first for me at the point.
This Monarch Butterfly may be a bit early.
I gave Terrapin another try this morning, and it was disappointing. I saw a few warblers, but none provided a photo opp. I settled for a few of the regulars.
The bugs were more cooperative, and I found even more in a short afternoon trip to Truxtun Park.
Wood Ducks nest in trees, high off the ground.
I only see Tree Swallows near the marsh ponds.
A pair of Eastern Kingbirds was flycatching near the beach.
Today’s bugs.
And a couple of flowers.
Where to go? I flipped a coin this morning and decided on Wooton’s Landing. Â It wasn’t terribly birdy. but I found a few birds of interest.
It was getting hot, so I decided on a quick stop at Sands Road before heading home.  I saw several good birds, but only the Prairie Warbler posed long enough for  a decent image.
Some day I’ll get a name.
This Orchard Oriole is a female.
Acadian Flycatcher, I think.
Wood Ducks run off as soon as they see you.
Canada Geese are much more willing to pose.
My first Prairie Warbler of the season.
I only see this beaver when the light is very low.
Today’s Bugs.
I went back to Terrapin, as promised, and there wasn’t a warbler to be seen. I assume last night’s strong South wind was to blame.
I spent some time in the marsh to make up for the lack of warblers, and it all worked out.
I don’t often see a Muskrat out of the water.
Regular readers might recognize the perch where this Red Winged Blackbird is sitting. It’s a favorite of many birds at Terrapin.
I was lucky to catch this Blue Jay as he flew by.
This Great Blue Heron was another lucky fly by.
Cornell: “The smallest of American Terns, the Least Tern is found nesting on sandy beaches along the southern coasts of the United States and up the major river systems far into the interior of the continent.”
The Least Sandpiper is the smallest sandpiper.
These Canada Goose parents are very protective of their goslings.
This Semipalmated Plover is a first for me. “Semipalmated” refers to the partially webbed feet.
I saw more warblers and migrants today than on any previous day. Â I could have used better light, but quantity beat quality today.
I’m going back tomorrow in hopes of a repeat.
Many Catbirds were in evidence today.
There were many fewer Yellow Rumped Warblers than a week ago.
Another well posed Cardinal.
Several Great Crested Flycatchers were singing loudly.
The Baltimore Oriole is another bird I don’t see often.
Female Indigo Bunting.
Indigo Bunting male.
Northern Parulas were scarce today.
This Hermit Thrush was a nice surprise.
I’m having good luck with American Redstarts this year.
Female Black Throated Blue Warbler.
I was happy to find several Black Throated Blue Warblers today, as this has been a difficult bird for me.
There was a good report on MD Birding, so I headed to Terrapin this morning.
It was quite windy, but the warblers have definitely arrived. Although there were plenty of them, they remained well hidden in the foliage, for the most part, but I did manage a few decent shots.
A few marsh birds helped make it a good day.
This Azalea is growing in front of my house.
Cornell: “The Lesser Yellowlegs is a slender, long-legged shorebird that readily shows off the brightly colored legs that give it its name. It is an active feeder, often running through the shallow water to chase its prey.”
This is the second Great Crested Flycatcher I’ve seen at Terrapin.
This Carolina Wren was singing along the trail.
Least Sandpipers are still feeding in the marsh pond.
This Downy Woodpecker was foraging alongside the warblers.
This Osprey missed the fish he was hunting.
This may be an Acadian Flycatcher.
It was tough to get a good look at the Magnolia Warblers.
The American Redstart was the dominant warbler today.
The sunny, blue skies were a nice change, but migrating birds were in short supply this morning. I walked the entire trail, including a lengthy stay on the lower part, but there just wasn’t much to see.
A quick look for bugs didn’t produce much either.
Sunrise at Wooton.
This Muskrat was swimming at Truxtun Park.
Canada Goose goslings are appearing in many places.
I cant say it’s the same bird every time, but I’m getting very close looks at a Prothonotary Warbler near the boardwalk.
This Great Blue Heron was fishing in the pond near the river.
I’ve only seen a few Solitary Sandpipers at Wooton.
Today’s bugs.
It’s a weird Spring so far. A few migrants are showing up, but the numbers just aren’t there. One suggestion is that the southern storm is delaying migration. We’ll have to wait and see.
It was overcast and cloudy this morning, with not much to see but the usual suspects and a few bugs.
Cornell: “Least Sandpipers are tiny sandpipers with round bodies and relatively short, pointed wings. They have thin-tipped, slightly decurved bills and slim, medium-length legs.”
Even the Snowy Egrets were fewer than usual today.
Today’s bugs.
I heard a good report about Wooton, so I headed out headed our early for a dawn arrival. My beaver friend was around, but not in the mood to pose.
It was actually a bit slow, and after a few decent images I walked the upper trail, which I usually avoid, and that’s where I found the Chat.
Yet another Turtle crossing the path.
I’ve been very lucky getting close ups of the Prothonotary Warbler this year.
I found these Cardinals at Truxtun Park this afternoon.
This Orchard Oriole was high in a tree.
Many Tree Swallows nest at Wooton.
I was just able to catch these goslings before they disappeared.
Indigo Buntings are becoming more common.
You can hear the song of the Yellow Breasted Chat all over Wooton, but they don’t often show themselves.