The day was sunny and cold, and I decided to head back to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Facility in Edgewater, MD. I visited several months ago with the AABC and it looked like a great facility.
This time, it was closed for the holiday, and I was on my own. After wandering a bit, I found a trail that followed the water’s edge, and I can see that the place has great promise. I didn’t have a whole lot of luck, but I believe I’ll head back before too long.

Like all the Hermit Thrushes I’ve seen, this bird was foraging on the forest floor.

Two Red Breasted Mergansers were hanging out near the pier, but waterbirds were generally scarce.

Most of the time you’ll find a White Breasted Nuthatch headed in the opposite direction.

This Great Blue Heron was nervous about my presence.

There were only a few Canada Geese in the water.

Ruddy Ducks were the predominant waterbrid.