American Black Ducks, Mallards, Mergansers and Tundra Swans... Oh My

I had a good day today. Started out at a small local park called Pine Cliff in Frederick county. It's generally used for picnicking, softball and baseball. The entire west side of the park is bordered by the Monocacy River, that's why I dropped by. Hoping to see some kind of activity on or near the river. Nothing, not even a shadow of something. So... I jumped back into the truck and was heading out of the park. I'm through the gate and on my way up and out on the exit road. I looked down into a small pond created by snow melt and rain and saw some mallards. I was able to get a few pics before they exited. 

 

My next stop was a favorite location paralleling again the Monocacy River. Here I often see the Common Merganser and today didn't fail me. But, I also for the first time saw and photographed an American Black Duck.

After the Monocacy River I headed over to Lily Pons and from the bridge I saw the two Tundra Swans you see here. As you can see they had some passing company.

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.