Bald Eagles at the 450 Bridge

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Hugh

I heard there were several Bald Eagles at the 450 bridge, so I went there early this morning, and the rumor was correct. It appears that 6-10 have set up housekeeping there, along with a few gulls and herons.
I got some good looks and a few decent images. I’ll go back soon.

There were more Eastern Bluebirds than usual at Thomas Point.

Several Song Sparrows were foraging in the rocks.

I shot this Great Blue Heron in low light at ISO 3200, so I'm pleased it came out as well.

I've seen lots of Bald Eagles by now, but it's still a thrill, especially when they're so close.

Common Goldeneye at Thomas Point.

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Hugh

“Sunny” was promised, and we got overcast. Still. it was warm enough and there was some light, so it could have been worse.
I started at Quiet Waters, and found a few birds, but I did much better at Thomas Point, where I saw some migrating ducks for a change.

This Great Blue Heron was surveying the cove.

There were two Bald Eagles at the point.

There was a small flock of Ruddy Ducks at Quiet Waters.

Buffleheads at Thomas Point

Posted on December 13, 2014 by Hugh

Decent weather and decent birds for a change. I started at Quiet Waters and found a few birds, then went to Thomas Point, which was more lively than it’s been for a while.

I saw more Tundra Swans than usual.

I heard a flock of Crows harassing this Red Tailed Hawk, and waited long enough to see him.

This Sharp Shin Hawk was hunting at Quiet Waters.

This Northern Flicker was just close enough for a picture.

Buffleheads often get quite aggressive with one another.

Ring Billed Gull at Sandy Point

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Hugh

After several days of scarce birds, I tried to change my luck and went to Sandy Point. There’s still no large rafts of ducks, and not even many gulls. I’m guessing the warm weather is slowing migration.

Looking South from Sandy Point beach.

Buffleheads were the only ducks I saw.

This Herring Gull was one of the few gulls around

This juvenile Bald Eagle was hunting off shore.

This appears to be a juvenile Ring Billed Gull.

White Throated Sparrow at Possum Point

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Hugh

I was out yesterday for 3 hours without finding much at all, so I didn’t post any images. I went to Possum Point this morning trying to change my luck, and did a little better, but there still aren’t many birds around.

This is the remains of a large gull I found at Thomas Point..

I saw this Great Blue Heron yesterday at Quiet Waters.

Black Backed Seagulls often hang out at Possum point.

There's a Bald Eagle nest near Possum point.

This Herring Gull was lazing about at Thomas Point.

Song Sparrows are regular visitors.

I don't often see White Throated Sparrows at the point.

Red Tailed Hawk at Quiet Waters

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Hugh

We finally had a sunny day, but we still aren’t getting much variety in the bird department. I was able to observe a couple of eagles and a hawk, but it was quite windy and there wasn’t much other action.

Two Bald Eagles were fishing in South River.

This Red Tailed Hawk flew across the river.

Horned Grebe at Quiet Waters

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Hugh

More lousy weather today. Shortly after I got to Quiet Waters the rain started falling intermittently, so I didn’t get to see much. Thomas Point was disappointing again as well.

I walked through the mud and reeds to get to the very end of my favorite cove.

I know where the Heron walks.

There weren't many birds around, and this Horned Grebe was the only close one.

Downy Woodpecker at Quiet Waters

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Hugh

Good weather today, but the ducks are still in short supply. I found a few at Quiet Waters, but Thomas point was nearly barren.

Annapolis from Jonas Green Park.

This Great Blue Heron was looking for breakfast.

This White Throated Sparrow was watching me.

I found these Buffleheads at Quiet Waters.

Ruddy Ducks will be around for several months.

This Downy Woodpecker landed very close to me.

Hooded Mergansers at Quiet Waters

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Hugh

It was another of those days where I wondered if it was worth going out at all. Gray, cloudy, wet and threatening.
I took a chance and went to Quiet Waters and Thomas Point anyway. I did find a few birds at Quiet Waters, but nothing at all at the point.

This is a favorite spot for Great Blue Herons.

This Bald Eagle flew right over my head as I was leaving the park.

A single pair of Hooded Mergansers was diving in the cove.

Ruddy Ducks at Quiet Waters

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Hugh

I had to work this morning, so I only got out out for a couple of hours.
I went to Quiet Waters in hopes of seeing some early ducks, but they just aren’t in Annapolis in any numbers yet.