It was sunny but still quite chilly for an April morning. I went over to Lickinghole Creek and Reservoir. The new stairs built along the creek by the Crozet Trail Crew made one of the tricky climbs much easier, and a big thanks to those who did the work on it. I didn't see a single warbler there, but did see 27 avian species. One of the resident Bald Eagles circled above the nest with its legs down, and then landed in the nest. I couldn't see it once it was in the nest, but good to know that the eagles are still there after the strong winds at the end of February that damaged their nest.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
I saw three Blue-winged Teals, but couldn't tell if they were same three that I saw there four days ago, where one of them had bold white crown strpes that joined and went down its nape. I couldn't get that view of these teals this morning.
Blue-winged Teals
Blue-winged Teals
As I hiked around the north end of the reservoir, I encountered a Red Fox, but only was able to get a blurry photo of it. The birds were a little more cooperative.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Rough-winged Swallows
Belted Kingfisher
I hiked a bit in the afternoon here in Old Trail and added 6 more avian species to my day's list, bringing my day's total to 33 avian species. One of our resident Red-shouldered Hawks let me get very close for some photos.
Savannah Sparrow
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk