Pied Billed Grebes at Lake Artemesia.

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.

Common Goldeneye 2020-2

A single Common Goldeneye hen is visiting Lake Artemesia.

Ring Necked Duck 2020-10

Ring Necked Ducks are a regular winter visitor.

Canada Goose 2020-10 Canada Goose 2020-11 Canada Goose 2020-12 Canada Goose 2020-13

Canada Goose 2020-9

Many Canada Geese spend the night in winter.

Hooded Merganser 2020-8

A few Hooded Mergansers are passing through.

 

 

Winter Ducks at Julia’s Place.

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.

Canvasback 2020-25

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

Mallard 2020-28

Redhead 2020-15

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

Canvasback 2020-22 Canvasback 2020-21

Canvasback 2020-28

Only a pro could ID this Canvasback Drake.

Redhead 2020-14

Redhead 2020-17

This is a Redhead hen.

Canvasback 2020-19

Canada Goose 2020-8

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

Black Duck 2020-2

Black Duck 2020-5

Black Duck 2020-7

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

Tundra Swan 2020-26

70-80 Tundra Swans are spending the Winter.

Mallard 2020-25

Many Mallards hang out near the shoreline.

Bufflehead 2020-9

There were only a few Buffleheads.

White Throated Sparrow 2020-1

Many White Throated Sparrows hang out in the woods.

Great Blue Heron 2020-2

This Great Blue Heron was at Lake Artemesia.

Common Goldeneye 2020-1

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.

Hooded Merganser 2020-5

Hooded Merganser 2020-6

There are a few Hooded Mergansers in the Area.

Ring Necked Duck 2020-8

Ring Necked Ducks seem to like Lake Artemesia.

 

Redheads at Thomas Point

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.