Things are picking up, but the weather has been iffy  and other activities claimed my time for a while.

I still managed to get out, and I even got to the Eastern Shore, but it was a waste. It’s still too early for some of the ducks.

Quiet Waters is still too quiet, but I suspect that will change soon.

Thomas Point has been the best deal so far. with the most birds and the greatest variety.

South River from Quiet Waters.

Tundra Swans often make vigorous displays.

There seems to be more Buffleheads than any other species.

Several Redheads feed near shore.

A Northern Shoveler I re-edited.

Many Mallards are living at Thomas point. There’s a guy in the ‘hood who feeds them every day.

Canvasbacks are not here in big numbers yet.

A Bald Eagle pair.

This may be the same Wood Duck who hung out at Thomas Point last year.

The weather has been good enough, with a few days of cold, followed by milder stuff right now. I’m still hanging out on this side of the bridge, but I may cross the bridge soon, as the winter ducks come in. Have I mentioned that the Bay Bridge is being repaired? This limits the times you can cross without traffic delays.

Lots of Swans and ducks are here now, but the Thomas Point ducks aren’t coming in close enough for photos. Quiet Waters has been a major disappointment. I’ve been several times without seeing much of note.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61671404

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61667203

I found many Ringnecked Ducks at Schoolhouse Pond.

Mallards in good light are attractive.

I got close to this Canvasback hen.

I liked the colors surrounding this Canada Goose.

Many Buffleheads are in the area.

Thomas Point is a reliable spot for Black Ducks.

There’s always Song Sparrows at Thomas Point.

The Redhead has a simple, attractive design.

I like the shapes in this Tundra Swan photo.

We’re getting some interesting winter visitors now. Swans and Geese are flying high overhead, and looking through flocks of distant ducks is more rewarding.  A single Ruddy was hanging out with 50 Buffleheads at the point.

Redheads, Wigeons and Canvasbacks are appearing now, so it won’t be long before we see other species.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61552087

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61551845

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61551737

I saw well over 200 Buffleheads.

First Redhead of the season.

First Canvasback of the season.

Tundra Swans are here in good numbers.

This is “Julia” (T186) who we reported to the USGS two years ago.

We’re going through another  birding drought, it seems. I’ve been a little reluctant to travel much as there’s not been much to see. Some of it’s luck, some is weather, and it’s all part of the game.

Swans and Buffleheads have arrived, and most of our migrant visitors have gone South. I’ve been recording most of my trips on Ebird, and the lack of variety is noticeable. More ducks will be here soon, and all will be well.

Lake Artemesia.

Quiet Waters.

This American Wigeon was a mild surprise at Thomas Point.

Thomas Point is one place where Black Ducks appear regularly.

50 or more Double Crested Cormorants flew overhead.

This Yellow Rumped Warbler was at Greenbury Point.

Bald Eagles have become more active recently,

Many Buffleheads have been feeding at Thomas Point.

This Great Blue Heron was at Quiet Waters.

I usually find Pied Billed Grebes at Lake Artemesia.

A Field Sparrow at Artemesia.

Tundra Swans began appearing in larger numbers yesterday.