Surf Scoter at Thomas Point Park

The weather was near perfect this morning. The temperature was in the low 40s and climbing steadily, the sky was sunny and clear. After a trip for groceries, I went to Thomas Point State Park to look for ducks and other waterfowl. I did very well there, capturing my first image of a Surf Scoter, and saw several other interesting species.
I met fellow birder Paul there, and we met later at Fort Smallwood, searching in vain for the Common Redpoll reported there. I did, however, get some more Crossbill images and and a couple of other interesting birds. Fort Smallwood was very busy with other birders looking for these birds as well.
A very successful day;the sort that keeps one coming back.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Red Bellied Woodpecker

This is an unusual angle to capture a Red Bellied Woodpecker, and it clearly shows the derivation of the name.

Lesser  Scaup

Lesser  Scaup

Lesser  Scaup

The texture of the water adds something to this image of a female Lesser Scaup.

Surf Scoter

Surf Scoter

I had no idea of the name of this bird when I first saw it. It’s an adult male Surf Scoter.
Cornell:
“A black-and-white seaduck common on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts in winter, the Surf Scoter has a boldly patterned head that is the basis for its colloquial name “skunk-headed coot.””

Bufflehead

Bufflehead

Bufflehead

I’m seeing small flocks of Buffleheads everywhere I go.

Canvasback

I’m getting a little better at this, so I was ready when this Canvasback flew over.

Canvasback

Canvasback

Gull

I saw this gull dive into the shallow water, but I’m not sure what he’s caught.

Long Tailed Duck

Long Tailed Duck

It’s not a great picture, but you can easily see how the Long Tailed Duck got his name.

Common Goldeneye

The Common Goldeneye is a striking bird.

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Red Breasted Nuthatch

It’s been a couple of months since I’ve seen a Red Breasted Nuthatch.

Dark Eye Junco

I couldn’t pass up this Dark Eye Junco and his perfect pose.

White Throated Sparrow

The White Throated Sparrow is common, but very handsome.

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

Brown Creeper

The tiny (5.25″) Brown Creeper is hard to photograph as he quickly moves up a tree trunk.

White Winged Crossbill

White Winged Crossbill

White Winged Crossbill

The White Winged Crossbills were still present at Fort Smallwood, and there was a photographer for every one.

2 thoughts on “Surf Scoter at Thomas Point Park

  1. Canvasback….makes me think of your mother and the menu she drew
    Great shots today. Love the skunk head coot

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