I went camping with my family and a bunch of friends at Rocky Gap
State Park this past weekend. Birding time was limited, and the
BALTIMORE ORIOLES, while very vocal, managed to stay hidden in the
tree tops. I saw three species that were interesting to me. On
Saturday, I saw two female RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. I would have
appreciated it if they had seen fit to swim over to my side of the
lake, but I could still see the merganser shape, orangish-brown head,
thin bill, white wing patches, and continuous white from throat to
belly. Are they usually around at this time of year? On Sunday, I
had a great look at a SOLITARY VIREO, which is a first for me. It
seemed to be staking out territory, flying from tree to tree and
singing. On Monday, an OSPREY flew over the lake.
Paul |