We’ve been sort of locked down for a week or so.  We slowed gradually over a period of several weeks, then the governor issued a stay at home order, which, fortunately, didn’t forbid birding.

We’re just coming in to Spring migration, so it might get interesting. Some spots, Like Sandy Point and Greenbury Point are closed, but, so far, plenty of places are open. I’d hate to have to be a birding pirate to get a look at a warbler.

I haven’t found much recently, but I’m sure we’ll be seeing some cool migrants very soon.

Dawn at Possum Point.

A few Canada Geese may stay at CBEC and breed.

I found this Chipping Sparrow at Quiet Waters.

A female Belted Kingfisher at CBEC .

This Heronry is near Greenbury Point. I plan to go back soon.

There are many Ospreys settling in at Possum Point, but the area is closed and likely to remain so for some time.

There must be thousands of Osprey Platforms on the bay.

Tree Swallows are very active now.

This Northern Flicker was at CBEC.

I met Graeme Simpson at Lake Artemesia this morning, and we had a pleasant morning. Early Spring weather and a light breeze made for a pleasant walk, and we encountered a lot of migrating arrivals who cooperated nicely.

A few Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Geese, Hoodies and Grebes were foraging vigorously and ignored us as they went about  their routine.

We didn’t pay much attention to social distancing, but that needs to change, I suppose. Still, Spring is coming and that’s good news.

In talking with Graeme, I heard that some parks are being overrun with photographers who are now home from work. We saw several other photographers at Artemesia, but not an unusual number.

Artemesia Dawn.

A single pair of Wood Ducks posed for several photographers.

A few Hooded Mergansers were feeding near shore.

A single Double Crested Cormorants was resting on a nest box.

Singing Carolina Wrens are so commonplace you may overlook them.

These Eastern Bluebirds are nesting in a Tree Swallow nest box. Conflicts may arise.

This Bald Eagle was being harassed by two nesting Ospreys.

I found this Rusty Blackbird at Possum Point. I don’t see many of these diminishing birds.

Pied Billed Grebes are always fun to find.

We got a little taste of Spring this morning. Clear blue skies and temps in the 60s were a welcome change. There weren’t a lot of birds on the lake, but the variety was good. Migration is just beginning, so I expect to do better very soon.

Geese and ducks are present in decent numbers, and there’s more bird song in the woods.

Many Canada Geese spend the night at Lake Artemesia.

Ring Necked Ducks are regulars at Artemesia.

A small flock of Hooded Mergansers was foraging near shore.

This white Mallard has been at the ;lake for several months.

A single Pied Billed Grebe was fishing for breakfast.

There’s definitely more action than a week ago. Swans and Geese are on the move and the woods are noisier with birdsong.

I found quite a few passerines and a few water birds in the last few days, and many more are on the way. My current intention  is to spend more time in the Annapolis area in order to save time and money. I suspect there’s many areas I haven’t examined thoroughly.

Quiet Waters Cove.

I usually find Common Goldeneyes at Thomas Point,.

This juvenile Bald Eagle scattered all the birds in the cove as he flew overhead.

A pair of Wood Ducks appeared to be setting up house.

Canvasbacks are leaving us soon.

Lesser Scaup have left the area.

I was lucky to get this close look at a Bufflehead hen.

We’re not going to get any kind of waterfowl bonanza this year, but the smaller birds are starting to be more active, so all will be well.  Is Global Warming affecting migration? I don’t know, but I was talking with a friend a few days ago, and we agreed that we seem to be seeing fewer birds.

Again, I’ve been getting out almost daily (Rain keeps me home) but I’m not getting any great photos. This might be the year of more landscapes.

Artemesia Dawn.

Brown Headed Nuthatches were very active at CBEC .

I’ve seen fewer Yellow Rumped Warblers this year.

I found several Eastern Bluebirds at CBEC this morning.

This Ruby Crowned Kinglet was surprise.

This Downy Woodpecker ignored me as he searched for morsels.

This Hooded Merganser flew off as soon as he saw me.

Not enough shutter speed, or an arty effect?

I found these Ring Necked Ducks at Lake Artemesia.

We’re finally getting some signs of Spring birds. Passerines are chirping at Quiet Waters, and some migrants are being found in other areas of MD. There’s been  no improvement in duck numbers, and maybe there won’t be.

I’ve made a few short trips, but wasted a lot of time trying to find birds, so it’s been a bit sparse.

A single Common Goldeneye hen is visiting Lake Artemesia.

Ring Necked Ducks are a regular winter visitor.

Many Canada Geese spend the night in winter.

A few Hooded Mergansers are passing through.

It’s still very slow here, but I saw a pair of Wood Ducks at Quiet Waters today, so thing are looking up.

I’ve been sticking close to home, as there doesn’t seem to be a lot of action anywhere close, and Ocean City is just too  far. I’ve been to CBEC and Kent Narrows, as well as Lake Artemesia, and we’re not getting much in the way of variety. Last year was significantly better in terms of diversity.

Julia’s Place is an Ebird hotspot on Thomas Point Road where a friend lives. Julia is a collared Tundra Swan who’s been seen in the area for several years.

So, here’s some of last week’s best images.

There is a large flock, 000 or more, of Canvasbacks hanging out.

The Redhead, on the left, can be mistaken for the Canvasback in poor conditions.

Only a pro could ID this Canvasback Drake.

This is a Redhead hen.

There’s usually 15-20 Canada Geese in the area.

I don’t get this close to many Black Ducks.

70-80 Tundra Swans are spending the Winter.

Many Mallards hang out near the shoreline.

There were only a few Buffleheads.

Many White Throated Sparrows hang out in the woods.

This Great Blue Heron was at Lake Artemesia.

This Common Goldeneye was also at Lake Artemesia. In the past, it was much more likely to see this bird at Thomas Point, wher4e I haven’t seen any this year.

There are a few Hooded Mergansers in the Area.

Ring Necked Ducks seem to like Lake Artemesia.

This is the warmest Winter I can recall around here. We’ve been in the 60s several times, and it must be many degrees above normal.

I don’t know if climate change is involved, but the winter ducks know about it, and they’re staying well to the North. Why fly this far if the weather lets you find food easily?

So, a few images from the last two weeks. These don’t let you see how many trips were just a blank, which is unknown at this time of year.

Ebird lists:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S64228258

https://ebird.org/checklist/S64227061

Tundra Swans in an odd combination of reflection and shadows.

Canvasback hen, wit h the subtle beauty many female birds have.

Mallard hen, coming in for a landing.

Looks like an old fashioned print.

Canada Goose landing at Thomas Point.

Redhead at Thomas Point.

Many Buffleheads winter at Thomas Point.

Dawn at Possum Point.

It’s been an exciting and exasperating two weeks. My car died, and my sister was kind enough to donate her old car to the cause. which necessitated a trip to NY via train, and the long drive back. The deed is done and I should have the paperwork finished in a few days.

I did manage to get out several times, but there’s not a whole lot going on.  The unusually warm weather has to be a factor.

“Freddie” is a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis.

About 70-80 Tundra Swans are spending the Winter near Thomas Point.

There are plenty of Mallards in the area.

There’s always a few Lesser Scaup in the mix.

This Mute Swan was at a park near my sister’s house in Huntington, NY.

A few pairs of Redheads are usually nearby.

You’ll always find a few Buffleheads at Thomas Point.

There may have been a thousand or more Canvasbacks visible today.

I’ve been going to Thomas Point and Quiet Waters most days, with looks at Possum Point, Lake Artemesia and Schoolhouse Pond.  No place has been exciting, but I’m seeing a decent variety overall.

Tundra Swans and Canvasbacks are here in good numbers now, and Scoters and Scaup are here as well. Loons and Grebes are lagging. A few Common Goldeneyes are at Thomas Point.

I didn’t make the Eastern Shore yet, but it won’t be long.

Dawn at Possum Point.

Working Whitehall Bay.

“Woodie”, the Thomas Point Wood Duck.

“Woofie” is still loitering with the Mallards at Thomas Point.

75-80 Tundra Swans are wintering near my friend’s house. They get quite feisty at times.

This is a pair of Canvasbacks.

Many Buffleheads are feeding at the point.

A small flock of Ruddy Ducks is staying near the point.

Close up of a Redhead.

The pond at Schoolhouse Pond.

Most Lesser Scaup are staying well out from shore.