Brown Thrasher at Sandy Point

Perfect birding weather! I elected to go to Sandy Point State Park this morning in my usual search for migrants. I talk about the weather a lot, because it affects everything you do when you’re in the field. Although I used to, I probably wouldn’t do much birding today without a camera, and expensive cameras need protection from extreme weather and precipitation.
Pictures have their own beauty, and some approach works of art, but they also have value in sharing your experience. While a picture of a hawk flying or a chickadee foraging is informative, it only comes close to the actual experience.

Deer

I see deer every morning at Sandy Point, and I think the staff may have installed them as greeters.

Great Blue Heron

I’ve seen Great Blue Herons wading, flying, in trees and on the shore, but this is the first I’ve seen one on a park bench.

House Wren

This is a House Wren. The book refers to it as a Gray Adult, as opposed to the Brown Adult.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

You don’t have to watch a Downy Woodpecker for long to realize how assiduously they search for food.

Red Eyed Vireo

Red Eyed Vireo

Red Eyed Vireo

I had a love-hate thing going with the Red Eyed Vireo for a while, as they were so hard to photograph, high in the branches of trees. Lately, they have been more cooperative.

Catbird

This Catbird will be migrating to Central America or the Bahamas soon.

Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrasher

Here’s a good look at the streaked breast of the Brown Thrasher.

Great Black Backed Gull

This Great Black Backed Gull is a juvenile.

Great Black Backed Gull

This Great Black Backed Gull is an adult.

Unknown Warbler

Another Unknown Warbler . I’m working on it. American Redstart.

Deer

I was surprised this young deer let me get so close.

European Starling

This juvenile European Starling is molting.

Sandy Point Lighthouse

This the lighthouse at Sandy Point.