Saturday, March 29, 2014

North Point State Park Bird Walk

A rainy day - but 33 species in all! 



Two recents arrivals, Tree Swallows and Eastern Phoebes, surrounded us - catching bugs.  We also heard Virginia Rail all along the reeds.
 


Die-hard birders spotting Gadwall, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Hooded Mergansers.


Dead snake along the trail.

One of the many Downy Woodpeckers seen chipping away at the soft bark.  We also saw Flickers, Pileated, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. 

Normally we could scan for ducks on the Chesapeake Bay, but the fog was too thick.  A Bald Eagle did soar above us.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Timberdoodle Watch




11 people show up for this evening's "woodcock watch." I was worried about what would happen, given the flurries, some wind, the cold, the clouds--not at all ideal. But the woodcocks did not disappoint. Wonderful flight displays right over our heads, birds zooming over and above us, numerous times, zig zagging, making all those cool sounds. And one fellow hanging out in the cut grass next to the field, giving us great views for at least 30 minutes.  - Tim Houghton


Patterson Park Friday Walk

The forecast was for 60 degree weather, but it was only 29 degrees at 8AM.  Robins were busy trying to find a much needed breakfast.  This winter has been hard on birds.




A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is always good to spot.  This tree must be a favorite with sapsuckers.  It was covered with holes.


Crow?  Grackle?  No - one of the many black plastic "bag-birds" littering the park.

Ring-billed Gulls and Mallards.  There were also Ring-necked Ducks, American Woodcock, Carolina Wren, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Song Sparrows near the boardwalk.