Birds, Birds, Birds...

I never intended for this to be a "birding blog" but lately it seems like birds are all that I can find to photograph.  I am grateful for their colorful presence and cheerful songs, especially when other wildlife seems so scarce. I was experimenting with the Audubon app on my iPod when I called this House Wren into camera range...

Next I tried a couple of Tufted Titmouse calls and this inquisitive fellow landed nearby...

He seems to be looking for that female that he hears singing so sweetly...

If she is not over here, maybe she is back there...

Not far from these sightings I came upon a Great Blue Heron...

I'm not sure if he is just scratching an itch or cleaning his ear...

At the Lilypons Water Gardens I photographed these American Wigeon...

These Mallards were found on a small stream..

Next, I went to a spot along the Monocacy River where I got to watch this Common Merganser demonstrate his take-off technique for his companions...

Not far from home I came upon this "Pale Phase" Red Shouldered Hawk...

Although Red Shouldered Hawks are fairly common, this is the first pale phase that I have seen...

While looking for more raptors I spotted this Red-tailed Hawk scanning a field for prey...

Another favorite raptor is the American Kestrel, also called the Sparrow Hawk...

While traveling near a sod farm I saw this uncommon sight...

We seldom encounter Sea Gulls so far from the coast...

This ancient stone building always captures my imagination whenever I go past it.  It is the remnants of the Greenfield Mill complex.  If only walls could talk...

Finally, here is a series of my favorite Screech Owl ducking back into his refuge...

Thanks so much for sharing my bird sightings.  Please stop back.