Red-headed Woodpecker
Walt Childs and I headed out to Swoope this morning - the skies were clear, the temperature was in the upper 60s, and the humidity was significantly lower. There was a good breeze, and the weather was a delightful change from what was in Virginia for the past week.
We had some good birds right off the start as we drove along Hewitt Road, and ended the trip with 32 avian species.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Cliff Swallow
Immature Cliff Swallow - note the spotted undertail coverts
Immature Cliff Swallow - note the spotted undertail coverts
Eastern Meadowlark
American Goldfinch
We added seven species at Smith Lake.
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Kingbird
The highlight of the trip was at Smith Lake - Walt noticed a juvenile Bald Eagle eating a meal (mouse?) on the other side of the lake. The eagle flapped its wings a bit, walked a bit, and then took off and headed towards me.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
The eagle flew behind a tree, and then a second juvenile Bald Eagle flew from the same tree.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
The first juvenile Bald Eagle re-appeared and headed off with the other one
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
And then an adult Bald Eagle followed them back to the nest.
Adult Bald Eagle
Adult Bald Eagle
Adult Bald Eagle
Adult Bald Eagle
What a great way to celebrate our country's birthday!