Where are the ducks? So far I’ve seen two Ruddys, one Long Tailed, a handful of Scaup,  and no Goldeneyes. This seems later than usual.

I’m still hanging out at Quiet Waters to avoid the crowds, but I may get over to the Eastern Shore in a day or two. I tried Truxtun Park a couple of days ago, with no luck.

I’ve been wandering around the park a bit, and it’s paying off in Sparrows and Siskins. It seems as though there’s a large group of small birds that wander the park in search of food, and there may be some cool birds among them. So far I’ve found Siskins, Chipping Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows. The light has been a sucky, cloudy gray, so far, but better weather is coming. Are there Crossbills, Redpolls  and Grosbeaks to be found?

Chipping Sparrows seem to be year round residents.

This is the first Savannah Sparrow I’ve seen at the park. I initially thought it was a Song Sparrow.

White Throated Sparrows are abundant.

This Pine Siskin seemed to be scratching in the gravel, seeking rocks for its gizzard, perhaps? I’ve seen this often in small birds,

When I found this Pine Siskin in the gray, cloudy morning light I thought it was a House Finch. I haven’t seen Siskins in a month, so it was a surprise. This flock may have been quite large.

Listen, and You’ll hear Carolina Chickadees

White Breasted Nuthatches are handsome and fun to watch.

Goldfinches seem to be doing well.

I found this single Ruddy Duck at Thomas Point. Some years there are hundreds at Quiet Waters.