Merlin at Lake Artemesia.

I went to bed last night sure that I was going to Schoolhouse Pond this morning, but the car drove to Lake Artemesia instead. I suppose a relatively sure thing has its attractions.

The usual suspects were present, although there’s nothing usual about the Long Tailed Ducks who should be well North of here by now.

Some birds were quite cooperative, and the excellent weather was a big help.

I would not have found the Merlin without help, so thank you, Nathan.

Lake Artemesia 125

The gazebo at Lake Artemesia.

 

Swamp Sparrow 2019-1

This Swamp Sparrow may have just arrived.

Long Tailed Duck 2019-47

Two Long Tailed ducks have been attracting birders for several days.

Caspian Tern 2019-3 Caspian Tern 2019-2 Caspian Tern 2019-1

Caspian Tern 2019-4

This Caspian Tern was fishing successfully.

Wood Duck 2019-48 Wood Duck 2019-47 Wood Duck 2019-46 Wood Duck 2019-45 Wood Duck 2019-44 Wood Duck 2019-43

Wood Duck 2019-49

Many Wood Ducks were foraging near shore.

Canada Goose 2019-21

A small flock of Canada Geese was resting on the lake.

Merlin 2019-1

This Merlin was well hidden and hard to find.

 

 

Long Tailed Duck at Lake Artemesia.

I went back to Artemesia yesterday, as no local place is standing out for migrants. For some reason, Artemesia seems to get more accidentals than other places I visit.

I picked a good day. The LT Ducks have been there a few days, and I found several other good birds as well. Many birders were visiting as well.

A quick stop at Buddy Attick didn’t find much interesting.

Cardinal 2019-1

This female Cardinal had her eye on me.

Northern Shoveler 23019-14

I found this Northern Shoveler at Buddy Attick.

Forster's Tern 2019-1

Forster’s Terns aren’t often seen at Artemesia.

Pied Billed Grebe 2019-4

2 Pied Billed Grebes were cruising the lake.

Yellow Rumped Warbler 2019-1

First Yellow Rumped Warbler of the year.

Wood Duck 2019-41 Wood Duck 2019-40 Wood Duck 2019-39 Wood Duck 2019-38 Wood Duck 2019-37

Wood Duck 2019-42

Wood Ducks were very active today.

Long Tailed Duck 2019-46

Long Tailed Duck 2019-45

These birds are supposed to use freshwater lakes in the colder months, but this is the first time I’ve seen one I’ve seen outside the Chesapeake Bay.