Great Blue Heron
I had some time this morning to do a little birding, and drove over to the golf course pond. As soon as I parked my car, another car parked behind me. It was a Charlottesville birder I know, David Shoch, and a birding friend of his from France and two children. We birded together, and ended up with 28 avian species here in Old Trail. Soon after starting at the pond, a Great Blue Heron flew across the water.
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
A moment later, David called out, "Merlin!" I was able to get a few photos as it sped by.
Merlin
Merlin
Merlin
Merlin
Merlins are seen every once in a while during the winter months here in Old Trail, but I haven't seen one in Old Trail since December 2016, although I have seen a few of them since then in the Shenandoah Valley. It was a good life bird for David's friend from France!