I met Graeme Simpson at Lake Artemesia this morning, and we had a pleasant morning. Early Spring weather and a light breeze made for a pleasant walk, and we encountered a lot of migrating arrivals who cooperated nicely.

A few Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Geese, Hoodies and Grebes were foraging vigorously and ignored us as they went about  their routine.

We didn’t pay much attention to social distancing, but that needs to change, I suppose. Still, Spring is coming and that’s good news.

In talking with Graeme, I heard that some parks are being overrun with photographers who are now home from work. We saw several other photographers at Artemesia, but not an unusual number.

Artemesia Dawn.

A single pair of Wood Ducks posed for several photographers.

A few Hooded Mergansers were feeding near shore.

A single Double Crested Cormorants was resting on a nest box.

Singing Carolina Wrens are so commonplace you may overlook them.

These Eastern Bluebirds are nesting in a Tree Swallow nest box. Conflicts may arise.

This Bald Eagle was being harassed by two nesting Ospreys.

I found this Rusty Blackbird at Possum Point. I don’t see many of these diminishing birds.

Pied Billed Grebes are always fun to find.

We got a little taste of Spring this morning. Clear blue skies and temps in the 60s were a welcome change. There weren’t a lot of birds on the lake, but the variety was good. Migration is just beginning, so I expect to do better very soon.

Geese and ducks are present in decent numbers, and there’s more bird song in the woods.

Many Canada Geese spend the night at Lake Artemesia.

Ring Necked Ducks are regulars at Artemesia.

A small flock of Hooded Mergansers was foraging near shore.

This white Mallard has been at the ;lake for several months.

A single Pied Billed Grebe was fishing for breakfast.

There’s definitely more action than a week ago. Swans and Geese are on the move and the woods are noisier with birdsong.

I found quite a few passerines and a few water birds in the last few days, and many more are on the way. My current intention  is to spend more time in the Annapolis area in order to save time and money. I suspect there’s many areas I haven’t examined thoroughly.

Quiet Waters Cove.

I usually find Common Goldeneyes at Thomas Point,.

This juvenile Bald Eagle scattered all the birds in the cove as he flew overhead.

A pair of Wood Ducks appeared to be setting up house.

Canvasbacks are leaving us soon.

Lesser Scaup have left the area.

I was lucky to get this close look at a Bufflehead hen.

We’re not going to get any kind of waterfowl bonanza this year, but the smaller birds are starting to be more active, so all will be well.  Is Global Warming affecting migration? I don’t know, but I was talking with a friend a few days ago, and we agreed that we seem to be seeing fewer birds.

Again, I’ve been getting out almost daily (Rain keeps me home) but I’m not getting any great photos. This might be the year of more landscapes.

Artemesia Dawn.

Brown Headed Nuthatches were very active at CBEC .

I’ve seen fewer Yellow Rumped Warblers this year.

I found several Eastern Bluebirds at CBEC this morning.

This Ruby Crowned Kinglet was surprise.

This Downy Woodpecker ignored me as he searched for morsels.

This Hooded Merganser flew off as soon as he saw me.

Not enough shutter speed, or an arty effect?

I found these Ring Necked Ducks at Lake Artemesia.