Bird-a-day: Day 3, Cedar Waxwing

As I was walking the dog this morning, and trying to stay tightly concealed in my coat I saw the silhouettes of a flock of Cedars. I walked over and watched as they pulled berries off a tree. It's neat to watch them hanging from branches picking berries. Three of these cool birds were feeding in some bushes, while the rest of the flock remained perched up a little higher in the tree.

Snowy Centennial Lake

I wonder where the birds are who were born in this nest last spring? For their sake I hope they are somewhere warm.

A flock of 15 or so Cedar Waxwings were taking shelter in the pines. This was the only decent photo I got, the lighting was not so good today.

Soon these two will be starting a new family.

Bird-a-day: Day 2 Bufflehead

I snapped this photo today of two Female Bufflehead's floating along with a group of Ring-necked Ducks.

I tried to hang around until the group decided to come a little closer, but they were content with staying on the other side of the lake.

I wonder which bird will come along tomorrow?

Bird-a-Day: Day 1 Northern Cardinal

I found a fun challenge from Audubon Magazine to find a different bird each day and "tweet" it.

My bird for today is a male Northern Cardinal. I spotted him perched in a thorn bush singing away. He was alone until two White-throated sparrows appeared from below. Mr. Cardinal didn't appear too fond of his visitors and moved up into a tree.

I enjoyed my time watching this beautiful bird we sometimes take for granted.

Gadwall: Life List # 126, a peaceful ID

After I had already returned home from birding I caught wind that there were two female Gadwall's at Centennial Lake in Columbia, MD. Of course I did what anyone would do on such a beautiful day, run right back over to the lake. 

There they were, one preening itself along the bank of a small island, and the other dabbling a few yards away. I watched for a while before the preening duck moved so I was able to clearly see the bright white speculum. The bill matched my field guide, dark with bill with orange sides. The mottled brown color also a perfect match. 

Usually in-the-field id's need to be made quickly, but this time I got to really study and compare what I saw with my field guide. Sometimes I get caught up in the desire and excitement of adding a new bird to my life list, and I forget to really spend time with the bird. The water was calm making viewing the ducks easy with my binoculars.

One of the ladies was more dominant than the other, always being the leader. If a ring-necked duck came too near she would chase it away. Bath time was exciting! Each would vigorously flap it's wings and come slightly out of the water, then quickly do something that looked like a somersault.

Hopefully they will still be around this weekend so I can get some photos.

Relaxing Day ***Gotta Go***

Vacation days are great, especially when they coincided with great weather. Today my lunch break followed a great morning of birding instead of a boring one of emails and problems.

I started off at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. As I made my way down the stone road there was still frost on the tall grasses. The song birds were in full swing, as expected on a sunny morning. There was slight rustling in the leaf litter, and on closer observation a tiny Winter Wren came into view, but only for a moment as he was not in the mood to have his photo taken.

Ahead of me on the edge of the road about ten little bodies quickly took flight into the safety of the grasses. The chirps led me to believe there were song sparrows around, and I was right. Along with the Song Sparrows were their typical winter companions, Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated sparrows and Northern Cardinals. I also caught a quick glimpse of a beautiful male Eastern Towhee, with his black back and gorgeous rufous sides. 

Then it was off to McDonald's for a coffee to warm up, and then Centennial Lake. Instead of walking the lake, as I normally do, I went down to the environmental area and sat on the bench to watch whatever decided to put on a show. The Mallards, paired up, leaving only a few males alone. The geese were busy feeding, and only a few times did they obnoxiously honk. Don't get me wrong I love to watch the geese, and it's great that they are comfortable enough with us people to allow us to get awkwardly close, but must they make tons of racket?

The Ring-Necked ducks, males outnumbering the women 15-2, were quietly diving for a late breakfast.

****Just got a message from a friend on flicker that there are two female Gadwall's at Centennial, looks like I am heading back over there now :) ****** Thanks Bonnie

What today lacked in quantity was made up with quality. This Downy Woodpecker allowed me the privilage of walking right up to him. Actually, he was so busy eating I don't think he realized I was there. 

But the White-throated sparrow below didn't feel like having his photo taken and I had to chase him around for a while until he begrudgingly let me get this quick shot.