Common Loon at Possum Point

I went to Possum Point for sunrise again, then spent an hour looking for migrants without any luck. I did get some cooperation from the regulars, though.

Beach Road and Jonas Green were nearly deserted, but Quiet Waters as more productive, with Ospreys, Grebes and Wood Ducks. Great weather, also.

Possum Point 62

Sunrise at Possum Point.

Osprey 307 Osprey 311 Osprey 310 Osprey 309

Osprey 308

The Osprey dominates the sky in Chesapeake Bay Spring and Summer.

Mallard 143

Mallards in breeding plumage are beautiful.

 

Horned Grebe 87 Horned Grebe 86

Horned Grebe 85

Horned Grebes often forage close to shore, and don’t spook easily.

Horned Grebe 89

Horned Grebe 88

The Horned Grebe spends most of its life on the water, even as a chick. Like other Grebes, it can’t walk on land because its feet are so far back on its body. It can only flop and hop which means it can only take off from the water. It is also reported to eat its feathers which can be up to 55% of its stomach contents. Scientists believe the feathers protect the stomach from sharp fish bones that its gizzard can’t handle. The voice of the Horned Grebe is a series of interesting croaks and chattering, followed by a few long shrieks. In the summer you might hear whining.  http://www.birdinginformation.com/birds/grebes/horned-grebe/

Bufflehead 200

Bufflehead 197

Bufflehead 198

Cornell: “Bufflehead nest in old woodpecker holes, particularly those made by Northern Flickers, in the forests of northern North America.”

Wood Duck 226 Wood Duck 225

Wood Duck 224

This pair of Wood Ducks is nesting at Quiet Waters.

Common Loon 107

Cornell: ” Common Loons are powerful, agile divers that catch small fish in fast underwater chases. They are less suited to land, and typically come ashore only to nest.”