Augusta County, VA, 6/10/16

All photos are © Marshall Faintich

When we got to Swoope, we went first to Smith Lake. As I was walking along the south side of the lake, one of the resident Bald Eagles took off from a tree. I didn't think that I was that close to spook the Bald Eagle, but I started taking photos.


Bald Eagle

And then I saw something I hadn't seen before - the Bald Eagle was being chased by an Eastern Kingbird, and then a Red-winged Blackbird joined in.


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle headed towards its nest, and I continued down the lake. At the west end of the lake, I heard and then saw an Alder Flycatcher.


Alder Flycatcher


Alder Flycatcher


Alder Flycatcher

As Walt and I were leaving the private property at the lake, we saw a Bald Eagle perched in a tree next to Cattleman Road. It soon took off, and this time was being chased by three Red-winged Blackbirds. One of the blackbirds landed on the eagle's back during flight, and started to peck on the eagle.


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle

We headed east on Cattleman Road, saw a pair of American Kestrels, a second Alder Flycatcher near Livik Road, and then a second Bald Eagle.


Male and female American Kestrels


Alder Flycatcher


Bald Eagle

We drove along Hewitt Road as we left Swoope, saw a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers, as well as some other bird species, and two more avian species on the way back to Nellysford, for a total of 53 avian species for the day, and quite a day it was!


Brown Thrasher


Red-headed Woodpeckers



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