July 24, 2012

Hot and humid again, with a promise of thunderstorms that haven’t materialized yet, but seemed possible all day long. I slept later than usual, and arrived at Sandy Point State Park around 8:00 AM and circled the entire park, anti-clockwise.

Red Shouldered Hawk

I’ve taken a lot of photos of birds, and it can get a little ho-hum in cases, but some birds always give a thrill and leave you a little breathless. That’s the way I feel about Hawks. This Red Shouldered Hawk flew into the woods and I despaired of getting a good shot, but I moved nearer and was able to get some respectable images of this magnificent bird. I believe this is a juvenile.

Balck Swallowtail

This butterfly appears to have led a hard life. I’m calling it a Black Swallowtail, but it differs somewhat from the Audubon image.

Crow

Black Vulture

The Black Vulture is another commonplace bird at Sandy Point

Ring Billed Gull

There are many Ring Billed Gulls in the park. The red eye ring and red “Gape” mentioned in Sibley are easily seen here.

Great Egret

Great Egret

This shot isn’t as sharp as I’d like, but it’s my first Great Egret and will have to do.

Sandy Point

Sandy Point State Park is at the Western terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It’s well maintained and includes many amenities such as the picnic tables and BBQ grill seen here.

Canada Goose

One of the beaches is filled with Canada Geese and Ring Billed Gulls.

Great Blue Heron

This is the first time I’ve seen this wing drying posture from a Great Blue Heron.

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird

I don’t often get this close to an Eastern Kingbird.

Mockingbird

There are many Mockingbirds in the park, and they pose willingly.

Downy Woodpecker

When I watch a Downy Woodpecker foraging, I’m always impressed by their attention to detail.

Dragonfly

Dragonflies are everywhere you look in the park.

7 thoughts on “July 24, 2012

  1. Spectacular Egret. Did I tell you about my hawk experience. On the twelfth hoed we were walking up to the tee and there in the sand was a Red Tail Hawk with his prey ( a squirrel). We got as close as six feet and he didn’t move. No one was taking his dinner. Very impressive.

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