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.
This is an unusual angle to capture a Red Bellied Woodpecker, and it clearly shows the derivation of the name.
The texture of the water adds something to this image of a female Lesser Scaup.
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.””
I’m seeing small flocks of Buffleheads everywhere I go.
I’m getting a little better at this, so I was ready when this Canvasback flew over.
I saw this gull dive into the shallow water, but I’m not sure what he’s caught.
It’s not a great picture, but you can easily see how the Long Tailed Duck got his name.
The Common Goldeneye is a striking bird.
It’s been a couple of months since I’ve seen a Red Breasted Nuthatch.
I couldn’t pass up this Dark Eye Junco and his perfect pose.
The White Throated Sparrow is common, but very handsome.
The tiny (5.25″) Brown Creeper is hard to photograph as he quickly moves up a tree trunk.
The White Winged Crossbills were still present at Fort Smallwood, and there was a photographer for every one.
Canvasback….makes me think of your mother and the menu she drew
Great shots today. Love the skunk head coot
lovely pix, Hugh…and LOOK at that red guy!! So unexpected!–MJ