Where were all the birds?

I spent last week in the Atlanta area and usually see a lot of birds, including many that I don't see at home. This trip, the birds were all in hiding. This was pretty much the extent of my bird watching. Pretty sad!

Happy Halloween!

Great Cormorant

This bird is a first timer for me. We were on Eagle watch. Didn't see an Eagle but spotted this instead. I  believe it's a Great Cormorant. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

It's becoming an obsession for me

This picture was from today's visit to the Manassas Eagles nest. Both Eagles were in the nest when we arrived but one flew away before I could cross the street and get in position to take a picture. I have to say, I could visit the nest every day. I'm obsessed!

Dinner time for Manassas Eagle

Stopped by for a weekly visit to the Eagle nest late yesterday and found one of the Eagles eating dinner. My camera wouldn't focus enough to tell what it was eating but it was pigging out!

First Monarch Butterfly of the year

Some years I see them all summer. This year, I saw none until today.

Manassas Eagle at sunset

Manassas Eagles stuck around

It was reported last week that the Berry College eagles had returned to the nest so I thought it was time we checked out the Manassas eagle nest. As we approached the pond they fished from we checked out the dead tree we often spotted the eagles sitting on. Nothing. So we drove on to the nest. Nothing. It was a beautiful afternoon so we drove around the area to see if they were nearby. We eventually ended up on the main road that runs beside the pond. Lo and behold we spotted one of the eagles in the tree. We stopped so I could try to zoom in and see if it was an adult or juvenile eagle but it flew away before I could turn my camera on. It flew in the direction of the nest so we jumped back in the truck and headed that way. We stopped in a parking lot where you can view the back side of the nest. Nothing there but as we were driving away I spotted an adult eagle flying overhead. There was no mistake that it was an eagle. The white head was shining in the sun glare. A minute later we spotted the second adult. One flew off towards the pond and the other flew towards the nest so that's where we headed next. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot directly across from the nest, we saw the white head in the tree. I can't tell you how happy I was. I'll be watching this fall to see if I can catch them upgrading the nest and will be waiting anxiously for January/February to see if we have eaglets again. I love the wonder of nature!

Another Hummingbird

I've seen a single Hummingbird buzzing around the front yard off and on this summer. Yesterday two Hummingbirds spent the afternoon at my Lantana.

Still Hummingbird

I must have taken 100 pictures to get a clear photo of this Hummingbird. It wouldn't keep still!

Turkey Vulture

We drove over to the Eagle nest after dinner last night in search of any of the four Eagles. As expected, they're no longer spending much time in the area. We had to settle for a Turkey Vulture sighting instead of the Eagles.

Red-tailed Hawk

Also saw this Red-tailed Hawk last night

Red-winged Blackbird

Saw this Red-winged Blackbird tonight while out on Eagle watch. Don't get to see this bird very often.

Manassas Eaglets Fledge

Both of the Manassas Eaglets have fledged now and can often be spotted in the trees around the nest

Got marshmallows?

Surprise at the Manassas Eagle nest tonight...branching!

Siblings

Feeding time at the Manassas Eagle Nest

I don't see the adult Eagles in or near the nest any more so it was nice to catch one of them in the nest at feeding time yesterday

Manassas Eaglet spreads it's wings

Red-shouldered Hawk

I believe this is a Red-shouldered Hawk. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

My first sighing of a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. You couldn't miss it sitting in the trees.

Manassas Eaglets

The Manassas Eaglets are growing fast. It won't be long before they leave the nest.

Virginia Bluebells

Took this picture at the Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm

Indigo Bunting

My first sighting of an Indigo Bunting

Female Bald Eagle

As can be seen in this photo, the leaves are starting to come in now. I won't be able to visit the nest again until May so am wondering if I'll be able to see the nest when I get back to it.

Cherry blossoms at peak bloom

Spent a lovely day in Washington, DC yesterday. The blossoms were beautiful!

A beautiful couple

Smooth landing

I'm having fun watching the Bald Eagles nesting in Manassas

Another of the Manassas Bald Eagle

Manassas Bald Eagle

We were rambling yesterday and spotted the nest. Stopped by late in the day and saw the Eagle. This picture is from this morning's visit.

National Museum of the Marine Corps

You can't miss the National Museum of the Marine Corps as you pass it on I-95 and every time we drove by we said "we need to stop one day." We finally did and it was an afternoon well spent.

Lovely Bluebird

I know there are Bluebirds in Virginia, but I rarely see one so felt very lucky yesterday to have spotted two at the end of my visit to the National Marine Corps Museum.

Northern Flicker, a first time visitor

Year round bird now

There was a time when Robin's left the area for the winter months. It seems they stick around year round now which means I'll miss the excitement of spotting the first one of the spring.

Yes, another hawk posting

I'm told this is an immature Red-shouldered Hawk. This one sat and watched my bird feeders for a long time last week.

Just look up

Sometimes you just need to look up

Home Sweet Home

My brother-in-law made the bird house and my husband added the front porch. It didn't take long for someone to move in.

Second hawk of the week

This Sharp-shinned Hawk perched in this dead tree overlooking my front bird feeders for at least an hour yesterday. Thank goodness my birds were smart enough to stay away for a while.

Trying to keep warm

I usually have a hard time getting a picture of a Nuthatch because they don't sit still. This one didn't budge. He just sat there plumped out trying to keep warm in the deep freeze of January 2014.

Big start to the new year

I was bird watching at lunchtime today and this beautiful Cooper's Hawk glided in for a quick stop. Luckily I was holding my camera so was able to get a picture.