The perfect weather seems to have ended for a few days. I nearly went back to the truck for my gloves after half an hour in the windy cold at Patuxent.
The Rusty Blackbird was a n ice surprise, but migrating birds seem to be passing us by for the moment.
This Great Blue Heron was fishing quietly in Cash Lake.
Tree Swallows saved an otherwise dreary day.
It’s not hard to find a Bluebird at Patuxent.
I didn’t recognize this Rusty Blackbird at first.
I had signed up for a walk at Swan Creek this morning, but my alarm failed me, so I went back to Wooton. Swan Creek might have had different birds, but I did well anyway.
My best Prairie Warbler to date, as well as a lovely Black Racer and a Towhee made for a great day. My friend Finbarr accompanied me most of the way and pointed out birds I might have missed otherwise.
This Chipping Sparrow is very neatly dressed.
Not a great image, but it’s my first Indigo Bunting of the year.
A local resident named John pointed out these Black Racers.
I was a little surprised to find this American Coot.
I saw Prairie Warblers in several trees as they sang at length.
A small flock of Goldfinches was feeding in the trees.
White Eyed Vireos were singing in many places.
This Robin is probably doing some nest repair.
This Orchard Oriole paused only briefly.
This Tree Swallow entered her nest to feed her young.
I saw three different Eastern Towhees today.
I had to get help identifying this young Purple Finch.
Bluebirds are thriving at the park.
You’ll always smile after watching a Chickadee feed.
Diane B. accompanied me to Terrapin Nature Center this morning, and we had a good day. We saw the Wood Ducks early on, then a first Catbird of the year as well as the usual suspects. It was very helpful to have a second pair of eyes, and Diane is now known as “The Frog Whisperer.
We spotted these Canada Geese and watched for a while. Our patience was rewarded. The parents seemed remarkably attentive to their goslings.
Diane coaxed this Frog out of hiding.
These Greater Yellowlegs were in the same cove as the geese.
This is the first Catbird I’ve seen since last Fall.
Ospreys were very active in the bay and the ponds.
We watched this Beaver swim across the pond.
Tree Swallows were foraging in the ponds and the adjacent fields.
This Green Heron flew all around the area.
Yet another cooperative White Throated Sparrow.
This Eastern Kingbird is another First of the Year.
The Wood Ducks at Terrapin are usually more elusive.
Once a month we head out to pay rent, visit Sam’s Club and stock up on food, and today was the day. I’m always impatient, as it interferes with birding, but some chores can’t be avoided or put off.
I got to Governor’s Bridge around 10:00, and got off to a great start, including a Yellow Billed Cuckoo, but the birds tapered off quickly after that. I’m convinced that the best birding is in the morning. Still, I’ve had worse days.
I found this White Breasted Nuthatch at Truxtun in a short trip this afternoon.
This Red Winged Blackbird was also at Truxtun.
This Red Bellied Woodpecker was foraging noisily.
In my experience, it’s unusual to get this close to a White Throated Sparrow.
I used my IBird app to play this White Eyed Vireo’s song and lure him into the open.
I haven’t seen a female Orchard Oriole since last Summer.
This Goldfinch and his mate were feeding in a Pine Tree.
This Great Blue Heron was fishing in the lake.
This Prothonotary Warbler was feeding along the bank of a small pond.
It was great to get out after a couple of days of rain, and I headed back to Wooton’s Landing, a little worried I was pushing my luck. It turned out well, however, even though the variety of birds wasn’t as good. A Prairie Warbler and a Ruby Throated Hummingbird were nice finds as well, even though the Hummingbird shots weren’t very good.
This Blue Gray Gnatcatcher was gathering nesting material.
I heard this Cooper’s Hawk screaming loudly before I saw him.
Spicebush Swallowtails are becoming commonplace.
Hungry Bluebirds were very active.
The Chipping Sparrows at Wooton are more furtive than in other places.
This Prairie Warbler moved often and quickly.
Common Yellowthroat Warblers continue to be the most common warbler in the park.
This lovely Yellow Warbler didn’t sit still for long.
“Perfect weather” is getting boring, so let me say it was a typical Spring day. I went back to Wooton for the third straight day, and it didn’t disappoint. I got my best Parula to date, and an Orchard Oriole posed very well. A late trip to Truxtun was curtailed by threatening skies, but a Red Fox justified the trip.
Cardinals are in full song everywhere.
This Fox was looking right at me as I entered Truxtun Park.
Common Yellowthroats seem to be the most common warbler at Wooton.
Great Blue Herons fly overhead frequently.
White Eyed Vireos can be heard many places in the park.
Singing males, like this Orchard Oriole, will often ignore the photographer.
The song of the Tufted Titmouse can be heard in most MD woods.
I’ve seen several Northern Parulas, but these are my best photos to date.
Blue Gray Gnatcatchers have become regulars in the last week or so.
This Red Tailed Hawk was perched in the same tree yesterday, and I scared him off. I approached more subtly today.
I had pretty much determined to go back to Wooton’s after yesterday’s bonanza, and the perfect weather just confirmed my plan.
After performing a couple of necessary chores, I set out around 7:45 and arrived at Wooton near 8:15.
The variety wasn’t as good, but the White Eyed Vireo was a first, and many birds were willing to pose.
Cornell:”A small and secretive bird of shrubby areas of the eastern and southern United States, the White-eyed Vireo is more noticeable for its explosive song than its looks.”
I watched this Bluebird for a while, and he seemed determined to beat this grub to death by slamming it against the branch.
This Tree Swallow was gathering nesting material.
This Blue Gray Gnatcatcher was feeding her young. Look closely to see the well camouflaged nest.
Common Yellowthroats were singing all along the marsh trail.
Butterflies are beginning to appear in large numbers. I believe this is a Two Tailed Swallowtail.
I haven’t seen many Beavers out in the open like this guy.
There was more than a little luck involved in getting this Belted Kingfisher.
A near perfect day, weather-wise. Lots of sun, warm temps and lots of birds!
I arrived early, and spotted a warbler right away, followed by a large variety of birds who wanted their pictures taken. The Prothonotary is a first for me.
I’ve seen a lot of Song Sparrows.
Carolina Wrens seem to enjoy posing.
I haven’t seen many of these Mourning Cloak butterflies.
I don’t recall getting a picture with the Northern Water Snake’s tongue sticking out before.
This Orchard Oriole was deep in shadow and I didn’t realize what it was until I uploaded it.
I’ve only seen a few Goldfinches this year.
All you need is good light and a Bluebird .
I found this Yellow Rumped Warbler on a quick trip to Truxtun Park this afternoon.
Chipping Sparrows are getting abundant.
This is about as close as I’ve ever gotten to a Spotted Sandpiper.
I saw this Common Yellowthroat Warbler as soon as I entered the park.
Blue Gray Gnatcatchers were in every area of the park.
Cornell:
“The name “Prothonotary” refers to clerks in the Roman Catholic church, whose robes were bright yellow.”
Another beautiful day! I waited a bit for the Sun to get higher, then set olut for Possum/Greenbury Points in hopes of seeing more migrants. The Black and White Warbler was a nice find, but he was the only warbler.
After lunch I took a brief trip to Truxtun Park where I wasn’t as lucky as yesterday.
This Osprey was enjoying a fresh caught breakfast.
This House Sparrow was taking a dust bath on the foot bridge.
Northern Rough Winged Swallows will be regulars at Truxtun for a while.
I believe this is the first Chipping Sparrow I’ve seen at Truxtun.
Spring Warblers are often quite beautiful, like this Black and White Warbler.
Who can pass up a Cardinal?
I’m quite sure I haven’t seen a Royal Tern at Possum Point before.
Even the common House Finch can look good in the right setting.
It’s often easy to get close to a Mockingbird.
Finally, a real Spring day complete with Sun and decent temperatures. A quick review of my options led me to Terrapin, where a few nice birds posed for me, followed by an afternoon trip to Truxtun Park where I was glad to see a few migrants finally arriving. The bright Sun led me to overexpose several otherwise good pictures, which is annoying, but educational. Note:
I found this Black and White Warbler at Truxtun Park, which suggests more migrants will be arriving soon.
This Blue Headed Vireo was well under the canopy.
This Cooper’s Hawk flew right over my head.
There were several Snowy Egrets in the marsh pond.
At least one pair of Wood Ducks is nesting at Terrapin.
This Carolina Wren was singing for a mate.
As I recall, I didn’t see Tree Swallows at Terrapin last year.
Bluebirds are doing well.
Cardinals were singing in every corner of the park.
Red Bellied Woodpeckers have been scarce lately.
Ospreys were very active today.
It’s fun to try to catch these fast moving Least Terns in flight.
Rabbits are starting to appear at most places I go.