We’re finally getting some signs of Spring birds. Passerines are chirping at Quiet Waters, and some migrants are being found in other areas of MD. There’s been  no improvement in duck numbers, and maybe there won’t be.

I’ve made a few short trips, but wasted a lot of time trying to find birds, so it’s been a bit sparse.

A single Common Goldeneye hen is visiting Lake Artemesia.

Ring Necked Ducks are a regular winter visitor.

Many Canada Geese spend the night in winter.

A few Hooded Mergansers are passing through.

It’s still very slow here, but I saw a pair of Wood Ducks at Quiet Waters today, so thing are looking up.

I’ve been sticking close to home, as there doesn’t seem to be a lot of action anywhere close, and Ocean City is just too  far. I’ve been to CBEC and Kent Narrows, as well as Lake Artemesia, and we’re not getting much in the way of variety. Last year was significantly better in terms of diversity.

Julia’s Place is an Ebird hotspot on Thomas Point Road where a friend lives. Julia is a collared Tundra Swan who’s been seen in the area for several years.

So, here’s some of last week’s best images.

There is a large flock, 000 or more, of Canvasbacks hanging out.

The Redhead, on the left, can be mistaken for the Canvasback in poor conditions.

Only a pro could ID this Canvasback Drake.

This is a Redhead hen.

There’s usually 15-20 Canada Geese in the area.

I don’t get this close to many Black Ducks.

70-80 Tundra Swans are spending the Winter.

Many Mallards hang out near the shoreline.

There were only a few Buffleheads.

Many White Throated Sparrows hang out in the woods.

This Great Blue Heron was at Lake Artemesia.

This Common Goldeneye was also at Lake Artemesia. In the past, it was much more likely to see this bird at Thomas Point, wher4e I haven’t seen any this year.

There are a few Hooded Mergansers in the Area.

Ring Necked Ducks seem to like Lake Artemesia.

This is the warmest Winter I can recall around here. We’ve been in the 60s several times, and it must be many degrees above normal.

I don’t know if climate change is involved, but the winter ducks know about it, and they’re staying well to the North. Why fly this far if the weather lets you find food easily?

So, a few images from the last two weeks. These don’t let you see how many trips were just a blank, which is unknown at this time of year.

Ebird lists:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S64228258

https://ebird.org/checklist/S64227061

Tundra Swans in an odd combination of reflection and shadows.

Canvasback hen, wit h the subtle beauty many female birds have.

Mallard hen, coming in for a landing.

Looks like an old fashioned print.

Canada Goose landing at Thomas Point.

Redhead at Thomas Point.

Many Buffleheads winter at Thomas Point.

Dawn at Possum Point.