A Common Loon in an uncommon situation. Loons frequently can be seen along the eastern coast where they migrate. It is a bit uncommon to see them on a suburban lake. This male has been here for about three weeks. He seams to be healthy i.e. fishing and moving around the lake. There has been some concern the lake is not long enough to provide a “runway” for him to take off. No one has reported observing any attempt by the loon to takeoff. Other extralimital bird species have visited the area and stayed for extended periods then, disappeared while no one was looking, perhaps the loon will, too.
Category Archives: Birding
Redstart Warbler
Here at the Thompson WMA, the trillium (grandiflora) season coincides with the spring bird migration. Once in a while, you can capture a warbler enjoying the trilliums while looking for insects. I was on my knees photographing the trilliums when the redstart posed for me. At one point, this male redstart came so close to me I was not able to focus the lens!
This is My Territory!
Red Winged Blackbirds become very protective of “their” territory when it is breeding season. The birds build nests in tall grasses in wetlands. They will often perch on tree limbs and call out telling other RWBB’s they are there i.e females welcome, males stay away!
Painted Bunting
Seen in Maryland. The Painted Bunting is a rare visitor to the Northern Virginia/Maryland area. This one was found at Great Falls National Park. Hanging out in an area full of late season berries, the bird hardly paid any attention to all the birders and photographers across the canal.
A Visit to a Turf Farm
On a recent outing looking for birds, we stopped at a turf farm in Brambleton, Virginia. We were looking for American Pipits which had been sighted a few days before. Scoping the field we soon spotted both the lark and pipits. I was glad to have brought along my 600 mm lens which enabled me to capture good shots of the lark and pipits.