White Crowned Sparrow at Quiet Waters.

Posted on November 21, 2020 by Hugh

I’m still doing feeder watch at Quiet Waters. We’ve got a virus surge going on, and it’s not usually crowded, especially during the week.

I’m seeing the same birds as a few days ago. I did see a large (25) flock of Goldfinches once, and a flyover Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron, and a few Buffleheads, but the winter ducks just aren’t here yet. I’ll be getting to Thomas Point soon, but the potholes are too numerous right now. Repairs are scheduled.

We’re getting really warm weather, which is probably messing with the birds’ instincts, so it might get interesting.

This year’s irruption of Pine Siskins has been good to me. I last saw one 6-7 years ago.

There’s probably 6-8 Tufted Titmice hanging out near the feeder.

Several White Throated Sparrows are living in a nearby bush.

A juvenile White-crowned Sparrow is also sharing the bush. It’s possible there’s only one of these guys.

A Song Sparrow is also sharing the nearby bush. One advantage of birding the same spot for a time is that you can get to see who’s who and who’s where.

I’ve spent some effort trying to get good shots of the White Breasted Nuthatches.

Feeder birds allow for closeups, sometimes.

Downy Woodpeckers often appear to be fearless.

A Red Bellied Woodpecker has been visiting.

I’ve heard Bluebirds in the area often but they don’t usually get this close.

I’ve seen only a few House Finches.

A pair of Cowbirds visited briefly.

Several Crows were present when I arrived, and I was able to get fairly close.

This Carolina Wren has been consistently silent.

Several Chickadees are regular visitors.

White Breasted Nuthatch at Quiet Waters Park.

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Hugh

I last posted about a week ago. The weather has been good enough, and I found a few decent birds, so it was a good week. One interesting thing about the pandemic is that many of my favorite spots are seeing a lot more traffic. Not a big problem so far.

Siskins and Nuthatches are still around. Otherwise, it’s just the regulars, although a few Tundra Swans have arrived. No decent images yet. It was way windy today, and the swans were somewhat distant.

I’m still staking out the feeder after checking for ducks, who should be in the area soon.

A few Cardinals came and went.

A very striking Cardinal. If you can find a good place to stand, you can get some awesome close ups at a feeder.

Another closeup. Tufted Titmouse.

Downy Woodpeckers are attracted to feeders.

This Red Bellied Woodpecker stayed in the area, but I didn’t see him at the feeder.

White Throated Sparrows seem to feed only on the ground.

Carolina Wrens are not particularly timid.

Bluebirds will come to a feeder if you have mealworms.

A few House Finches are in the area.

This Red Breasted Nuthatch was by himself.

How long will the Pine Siskins stay around?

A Goldfinch and a Siskin share a moment.

This Yellow Rumped Warbler was at Sandy Point.

I expect to start seeing more Dark Eyed Juncos soon.

A Starling in good light can be attractive.

This late Great Egret was at CBEC.

It’s always a treat to see these handsome birds forage upside down.

Pine Siskins at Quiet Waters Park.

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Hugh

It’s that slow time of year again, when the ducks haven’t arrived and Fall migration is about over. People are finding a few good birds, but mostly it’s just the regulars. I’ve been hanging out at Sandy Point, Quiet Waters and Greenbury Point. I made a single stop at Thomas Point, where the road is badly in need of repair.

Thankfully, we’re in the midst of an irruption of Siskins RB Nuthatches and Evening Grosbeaks. I got the QW ranger to fill up their feeder (They lost their regular feeder filler) and it seemed like only minutes until the first Siskins showed up. Lots of Goldfinches, Titmice, Chickadees and a Red Breasted Nuthatch were eating as well.

So, I’ve of lots of feeder images, and images of birds approaching the feeder so the feeders don’t always show in the picture. It alway feels a little like cheating to stake out a feeder, but I did get a few good pictures.

White Breasted Nuthatches also like feeders.

White Breasted Nuthatches will readily come to a feeder.

Small flocks of Pine Siskins can empty a feeder very quickly..

These Buffleheads were near Thomas Point.

Two Tundra Swans have arrived for the Winter.

This Carolina Wren seems to have a fresh coat of feathers.

This Carolina Wren landed quite close to me.

Carolina Chickadees can always be found by their song.

Many Tufted Titmice were using the feeder.

This Carolina Wren seems to have a fresh coat of feathers.

Downy Woodpeckers will readily come to feeders.

A single Red Breasted Nuthatch showed up this morning.

Dark Eyed Juncos were foraging on the ground.

Only a few Cardinals seem to visit this feeder.

House Finch at Greenbury Point.

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Hugh

It’s that slow time of year again, when the ducks haven’t arrived and migration is winding down. There’s an irruption of Siskins and Grosbeaks in the area, but I haven’t seen anything yet.

I’ve been doing the same rounds-Sandy Point, Possum Point, Jonas Green, Quiet Waters, with a single trip to Truxtun Park . I’m planning to give Artemesia a try tomorrow. I’ve been avoiding it as it was getting too crowded, so we’ll see what happens.

No really cool birds this week, just a trickle of the regulars. I’d say the Royal Terns were my favorites.