Spent the day birding on a South AA County circuit.... we had a pretty decent day, and I'll post highlights later. Just wanted to say that we saw over 1/2 dozen osprey at Jug Bay - and that one nest had two osprey on it already! Likely a pair - one was bigger than the other. Not only does it seem a bit early for osprey, but seems early for the pairs to meet up again, too!
We also saw at least 5 Bald Eagles - two adults (not together). One juvenile and one adult were "courting" - or having "words" - when we arrived. They were diving and locking talons. The adult flew away, with the juvenile in pursuit.
The most memorable moment came after Jon asked me to listen - and we heard Tundra Swan in the distance. Then we saw them approaching - a large flock. We had at least 75 fly overhead, calling, and the sunlight really made them shine. As a final touch, an osprey lifted off its platform and flew across the flock, underneath, calling. The osprey have returned - time for the tundra to head home.
The swans were heading to the south east - towards, possibly, a staging area before a flight north.
Joanne
Joanne Howl and Jon Ranson
West River, MD
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