I got another chance to walk for about two hours at Riverbend Park on Wednesday.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/
We have arctic whether coming in, and this day was about 40 degrees out and sunny. So a great opportunity to see a lot of birds out and feeding, as they are now hunkered down and not active (current temps in the 20s and likely in the teens by morning).
I like to tell a story about walks such as this, but for tonight, I am just going to post some photos with a bit of commentary, as it is getting late.
First up, a first-year bald eagle.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/
We have arctic whether coming in, and this day was about 40 degrees out and sunny. So a great opportunity to see a lot of birds out and feeding, as they are now hunkered down and not active (current temps in the 20s and likely in the teens by morning).
I like to tell a story about walks such as this, but for tonight, I am just going to post some photos with a bit of commentary, as it is getting late.
First up, a first-year bald eagle.
A first-year bald eagle from Riverbend Park, Fairfax, VA
This is likely the worst photo I have ever put on my blog. However photographers will note that I have the eagle in focus even though it is through a bunch of branches. That took some skill to do.
The reason I include it here is as a lesson. I saw this bird while standing pretty close to a birder with binoculars. There are loads of Turkey Vultures in this area, and he reached that ID without really looking at it, after I asked him to use his binocs to help with the ID.
We talked a bit and headed our separate ways. But in the end, after downloading the image and seeing the clear field marks, it is a first-year bald eagle. So the lesson is to make sure of your bird ID with observations and/or photos. Don't assume the big brown bird is a vulture, make sure is it such.
But now onto the water. Let's talk coots.
The reason I include it here is as a lesson. I saw this bird while standing pretty close to a birder with binoculars. There are loads of Turkey Vultures in this area, and he reached that ID without really looking at it, after I asked him to use his binocs to help with the ID.
We talked a bit and headed our separate ways. But in the end, after downloading the image and seeing the clear field marks, it is a first-year bald eagle. So the lesson is to make sure of your bird ID with observations and/or photos. Don't assume the big brown bird is a vulture, make sure is it such.
But now onto the water. Let's talk coots.
An American coot looking into clear water for where to dive for food
And that is just one coot. There were about a hundred floating, diving, and standing around eating ham sandwiches. Okay, maybe not that last one.
Lots of coots on the Potomac River at Riverbend Park
Coots R Us
And a coot running across the water to gain flight
And another note to fishermen, please try not to leave your line or lures in the trees. This can snare birds.
A rubber worm hanging from a tree. That hook and line can be fatal to birds
But now a tufted titmouse
Tufted titmouse at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County, VA
And you make the call on this one. Looks like an osprey but I haven't worked it out. And a quiz photo. What is this?
Yellow-bellied sapsucker But along the trail I did see this yellow-bellied sapsucker
Squirrels are always cool.
And finally, for tonight after a big post of pics...
White-breasted nuthatch
I am posting this rather late at night. Spelling or similar errors can be attributed to the late hour. But I hope you enjoyed the pics.
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