Eagles, Ospreys, Gadwalls and More at Blackwater NWR

The weatherman delivered on his promise of warm and sunny, and Blackwater lived up to its reputation. I was surrounded by Eagles, and many other birds chose to pose. I did 4 loops of Wildlife Drive and could have done many more. but duty called, and I headed home around noon.

Bald Eagle

This nest is near the end of Wildlife Drive.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle 119

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

When this Bald Eagle took off, I thought he was going fishing, but he gathered some nesting material.

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow

I haven’t seen a Tree Swallow since last Fall.

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Yellow Rumped Warbler

This Yellow Rumped Warbler landed right in front of me.

Lesser  Scaup

This Ring Necked Duck is in breeding plumage.

Great Blue Heron

I disturbed this Great Blue Heron and flew right across my position.

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

I don’t know if these Northern Flickers are feuding or courting.

Northern Shoveller

Northern Shoveller

Northern Shoveller

Northern Shoveller

There were fewer ducks than usual, but Northern Shovellers were present in large numbers.

Gadwall

Gadwall

Gadwall

This is the first time I’ve seen Gadwalls at Blackwater.

Mallard

Mallard

Mallard

Mallard

These Mallards gave me an opportunity for some flight shots.

Osprey

Osprey

Osprey

The Ospreys have definitely returned!

Chipping Sparrow

First Chipping Sparrow since last Fall.

American Coot

American Coot

American Coots were numerous.

Red Tailed Hawk

This Red Tailed Hawk took off shortly after I saw him.