Perfect, perfect, perfect weather. It was just cold enough this morning that I was glad I had my gloves, but after a couple of hours I didn’t need them. The sky was nearly cloudless.
I went back to the marsh on Rte. 450 in a vain hunt for the Snipe, but the Wood Duck was still hanging out. A Red Tailed Hawk was hunting in an adjacent marsh. I then drove to Thomas Point, where a Belted Kingfisher put on a show for me. There were a few nice ducks at the point, and I stopped at my friend’s house on Thomas Point Road, where hundreds of Canvasbacks were resting. I was tired but exhilarated by the time I got home.
When I first spotted this Belted Kingfisher, it was at a distance and I thought it was a Blue Jay. I’ve never seen a Belted Kingfisher at Thomas Point before, so he was a nice find. He then proceeded to start fishing, and I got a few decent flight shots.
This Long Tailed Duck was slowly cruising quite close to shore.
This Red Tailed Hawk was overlooking a marsh full of Red Winged Blackbirds.
This Red Winged Blackbird. was singing loudly for a mate.
I didn’t find the Snipe, but this guy and his mate flew in shortly after I arrived.
Bufflehead are often very active, but this one was taking a break
The Tundra Swans will be heading North soon.
This Canvasback hen will be heading West to breed soon.
Landing isn’t as graceful as flying.
A boat went by, and all the Tundra Swans took off at once.
The Canvasbacks also took to the air.