Seagulls?... A Spring Time Robin... Mergansers... Oh, and an Eagle

Went to the Monocacy Aqueduct for a walk on the C&O Canal and found there were hundreds of seagulls feeding out on the Potomac River just above the mouth of the Monocacy River. Maybe not such a big deal, I just haven't seen seagulls in the numbers like this before at the Aqueduct.

 
Again, not a big deal but to me robins identify the coming of spring. I don't know about you, but I am ready for spring.

The Common Merganser, a real treat to see and observe. There were two pair, an active pair and a sedate pair.

 
I'm turning on to Lily Pons Road, headed toward Lily Pons Water Gardens. And there he is, a beautiful bald eagle. He is flying low and I'm trying to roll my window down and stop the truck. Fortunately for me he landed in a tree. Unfortunately it was about 300 yards away. I had to take a couple of shots.

Driveway Goshawk

A few days ago I was going down my driveway and right in front of me, windshield height, zoomed this bird. It took me a few moments but finally I saw it perched about 30 yards out. He gave me a few moments time with him and then he was off. This goshawk is one of three different species I have been fortunate to see in my neighborhood. The others are a pair of red tail hawks and a red shouldered hawk.

     

Cann't Help It... More Buzzards

When opportunities present themselves I try take advantage. The other day a road kill was an attractive and tempting meal for our natural clean-up crew. As I slowed the truck down to a stop all the buzzards took off. One decided to come back, he became my star of the day. The other photos, a raven and some icy pond pics. 

A Lone Buzzard

It's pretty rare that you see a single buzzard, at least it is for me. This guy was by himself scanning the near by field, minding his own business until I showed up. A little to close for his comfort.

Conowingo Dam Eagles

It was a nice day, mid to upper 30s, no wind with the electric turbines churning the down river side of the dam. Usually makes for some exciting eagle photos. Not so for today. Very limited activity... But... There were some co-operative participants.

 

 

 

Another Couple Hours at Worthington

I had a break in my day yesterday and was able to spend some time doing what I love doing. Not knowing what to expect when entering Worthington, I wound my window down and started creeping up the lane. Rarely there has been nothing to see. Often enough there have been many deer sightings. That is what keeps me coming back. The Red Shouldered Hawk was perched in a tree on my way back home. Fortunately he stayed put long enough for me to take a couple pics.    

I'm Guessing We Got Lucky

We had a purpose when we left the house that morning and that was to hopefully find and photograph a piebald deer that has been seen in the area on a number of occasions. Steve has posted several photos on his blog. This was my first trip. It didn't take long before we got our opportunity. We were able to follow her for several minutes before her and  her companions had enough and bolted away. Then a little later in the morning we came upon another piebald. A buck. At the least an 8 pointer and possibly a 10. I was fortunate to get a few photos before he disappeared into the woods. What a treat that was. As you can see he has broken off a major portion of the main left beam. Also notice the length of the brow tines, 6 or 8 inches at least. I magnified one of the images for a better view.

Same animal different conditions.