I have been continuing my streak of birding at least once every day this year, although I just noticed I neglected to submit checklists for some of them in eBird, probably because they were not notable. Many days I start or end it by going to Johnnie Mercer's Pier.
Parasitic Jaeger - I have had a few this year but most of them were too far out for pics.
You can just barely make out the pointed central tail feathers.
Horned Grebes are scarce now but soon they will be arriving in big numbers.
Razorbills have mostly been staying out far, but some have ventured close to the pier.
Royal Tern fly-by
This female White-winged Scoter visits most days.
When these battery powered foil-boards get cheaper, I fear our waterways will be choked with them. It looks super fun, but I just think all the battery powered "toys" are making things worse for critters on the beach and in the sea, not to mention more dangerous on trails and roads. I was walking around Wade Park the other day and almost got clipped by a bunch of teens looking at cell phones while zipping around on eBikes.
Black-capped Night Herons continue to have a safe haven at Airlie from the hordes of eBikes.
Pied-billed Grebes also seek solace in the calm waters of Airlie which so far are free of Foil-boards.
Hooded Merganser hormones are currently at a high point. They are constantly strutting and puffing themselves up.
It's amazing how a little change in angle completely changes the shots.
I wonder if this Canada Goose has ever touched down in its namesake country.
Tufted Titmice are always fun to watch. They have such depth of character.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are almost as hard as swallows to shoot, they are always on the move.
Northern Gannets have mostly stayed far offshore so I had to settle for a poorly lit juvenile bird to get my year tick, although I suspect they will come closer soon.
Cooper's Hawk at Johnnie Mercer's
Some Razorbills have made their way inside Mason Inlet and have been foraging in the intracoastal waterway.
A good way to find razorbills is to look for Bonaparte's Gulls feeding frenzies. They like to feed above the razorbills.
Sam C picked up a Grasshopper Sparrow at Blue Clay sparrow fields so I headed down to try my luck.
Field Sparrows were everywhere.
I counted hundreds of Chipping Sparrows.
Song Sparrows also put on a show.
Another Chipper
Savannah Sparrows abounded.
Yellow-breasted Chat! Always fun to find one of these overwintering here.
Chip!
There are a handful of Vesper Sparrows hanging out here.
Song
A bright yellow Palm Warbler.
Meanwhile at Ashley High School Ponds.....
This Red Fox family came out to enjoy some sun.
This drainage ditch has served well as a den for them, as long as they don't get a big rain!
Gadwall
I like to head down to Fort Fisher in the evening to get the sun behind me so I can shoot some sea ducks.
Black Scoter
A drake Surf Scoter was very nice to see.
A Bufflehead knows how to catch the light just right.
Boat-tailed Grackles also love to refract the light in pleasing ways.
To continue the light theme, Tree Swallows at CB Lake also know how to catch some rays and turn them into dazzling displays.
This Green Heron seems to be regretting its decision to stay in NC.
How these aerial insectivores can continue to find stuff to eat in the winter is beyond me.
Double-crested Cormorant
American Robin
Tricolored Heron
Snowy Egret
What a beauty too! This was the male, the female was more drab looking. Hopefully they make it on the other side of this ice storm.
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