Six Sparrows at Terrapin Nature Park.

Terrapin was overrun with migrating sparrows today, as well as other birds. After shooting the sunrise at Sandy Point, I go to Terrapin around 7:30 and immediately found a thousand or more migrants in the field near the parking lot.

Chipping and Song Sparrows dominated, but there were plenty of others as well. Soon, I was only shooting the best, closest birds in the best light, and I still had plenty of choices. I walked to the marsh ponds and the beach, as well, but most of the action was in the big field.

It was a great day after so many bleak ones.

Bay Bridge 112

 

Sandy Point 87

Sandy Point 86

Sunrise at Sandy Point.

Northern Flicker 105 Northern Flicker 104

 

Northern Flicker 106

Northern Flickers often perch in this dead tree.

Ruby Crowned Kinglet 206

I’ve tried to capture a hovering Ruby Crowned Kinglet many times, and this is my best effort to date.

Ruby Crowned Kinglet 203

Ruby Crowned Kinglet 205

Ruby Crowned Kinglets are still abundant.

Dark Eyed Junco 20

First Dark Eyed Junco of the season (it’s in the sparrow family).

Mockingbird 108

This Mockingbird may or may not stay a while.

Song Sparrow 141

Song Sparrow 140

Song Sparrows may be our most common sparrow.

Catbird 212

This Catbird is migrating a little late.

Yellow Rumped Warbler 214

Yellow Rumped Warblers will soon be our only warbler until Spring.

Field Sparrow 109

There may have been more Field Sparrows. but this is the only one I’m sure about.

Black Vulture 101

Black Vultures often pose like this to dry their wings.

Chipping Sparrow 109 Chipping Sparrow 108

Chipping Sparrow 110

There may have been a hundred or more Chipping Sparrows.