I spotted a juvenile Little Blue Heron during my lunchtime walk around
Schoolhouse Pond today. It was standing near a Great Egret and Great Blue
Heron. The grayish-green legs, and gray bill blending to a darker tip
were obvious, in addition to the all white juvenile plumage. I've seen
Little Blues fly over the pond before, but this may be the first time I've
seen one foraging on the mudflats here. It was still there when I left
(about 15 minutes ago).
Shorebirds have also starting showing up, taking advantage of the mudflats
along the edge of the pond. This morning there were 3 Spotted Sandpipers,
and yesterday there were several Least Sandpipers. Also of note, on
Monday (7/17) I saw my first Laughing Gull flyover of the fall or post
breeding season. I saw another flyover on Wednesday. Both birds were
heading for the landfill.
The Trumpeter Swan continues at the pond as well. In the morning it is
typically at the rear of the pond foraging or swimming on the water. I
saw this massive bird in flight several weeks ago. It ran across the
water before taking off, then flew two very fast loops over the perimeter
of the pond. With the speed it had worked up, I thought it was going to
leave, but it settled back down on the water again.
Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS |