Variegated Meadowhawks

 I love seeing these colorful dragonflies!
Variegated Meadowhawks are a dragonfly species that we don't often see in our area. They are a "migrant species" for us...meaning that they pass through our area as they move to other areas for breeding. 
These arrived over the last few days at the First Christian Church ponds. 

Pectoral Sandpipers

 While checking the First Christian Church ponds yesterday for dragonfly arrivals, I watched a flock of Pectoral Sandpipers circle and settle at the pond's edge. 
The name "Pectoral" refers to the distinctive streaking pattern on their chests. 
These sandpipers are long-distance migrants. They winter in South America and travel to North America for the breeding season. 
Watching their synchronized flight is always amazing and I always think about how nature has enabled them to conduct minute turns and banking at top speed. 
Some looks.....

Osprey Nest!!

 We had a tip about a local Osprey nest, so we stopped by there today. They are still actively nest building, but eggs won't be far off. Some looks....

Eastwood Metropark Great Horned Owls

We took advantage of the lovely sunshine today and visited a Great Horned Owl nest in Montgomery County.

Still one Owlet in the nest with Mom. The other was soaking up that sun. Had fun visiting and chatting with other owl watchers!

Swan vs Turtles

 

Sound on!

This Mute Swan at Old Reid Park had us in stitches today. I shot video with my OM-1 M2 to catch the action.

It did not want the turtles on "his" log.

Kind of like a Whack-a-Turtle game.

Wood Ducks

While hiking at Old Reid/Kirby Preserve today, I spotted this Wood Duck pair.
I've observed Wood Ducks in this location several times over the years, and I suspect that they nest nearby.
What gorgeous ducks!!

Montgomery County Great Horned Owls

 We made the short drive to Montgomery County to see and photograph a Great Horned Owl nest .
Remarkably, this nest is in the open and is easily viewable. Apparently, it's been the site of a GHO nest for about 8 years. 

 

Lunar Eclipse

 I shot the Full Worm Moon Lunar Eclipse from midnight until 5:15 am. While I was using the Vaonis Vespera smart telescope, I also shot with my regular camera gear...the OM-i M2 and Zuiko 100-400mm lens. 
I much prefer the OM-1 images, as they show off the lovely red colors.
Here's a couple and a composite image with images from the main phases.  

A Pileated Woodpecker at Old Reid Park.

 

Great(er) Day for Ducks at Old Reid

 Some quackers from Old Reid this afternoon. The theme today was "Greater." We're starting to see a variety of ducks and geese move through as the ice melts. Of note today were Lesser Scaups and a single Greater Scaup. The Lesser Scaups have dark head feathers and a bit of a crest on the back of their head....whereas the Greater Scaup has green head feathers and a more rounded head. The Greater is not rare, but it is unusual to see one for me at Old Reid. Also saw the Greater White-Fronted Geese that Bill saw yesterday, and some Hooded Mergansers.

Greater Scaup on the left with a couple of Lesser Scaup

Greater Scaup wing flap.

Greater Scaup with a Scaup hen (unknown if Greater or Lesser).

Greater White-Fronted Geese.

Hooded Mergansers

Winter Landscapes

 

Horned Larks

Horned Larks can be seen in flocks along the berms of snowy roads. 

 

Sunset Eagles

 The Hodge Road Eagles were enjoying the sunset this evening.