Urban Birding in Annapolis

We are down in Maryland for a short trip to see our son Robb and his family before they leave for San Diego.  The temps are about 20 degrees warmer than Vermont, the forsythia is blooming as are the cherry blossoms, and there are all sorts of birds singing their hearts out.  What’s not to like?

I had just unloaded our luggage and went out to the back door where two Fish Crows welcomed me (FOY) as well as a House Finch and several Cardinals.  It was a foretaste of the local birding — a good sign.

I’ve taken a couple of long walks with the camera to get some exercise and some camera practice.  Here are a few shots with the SX-50 from those outings:

Northern Mockingbirds, while pretty rare in our county, are all over the place -- showing off their repertoire of songs and calls -- delightful to listen to and to observe.

Northern Mockingbirds, while pretty rare in our county, are all over the place — showing off their repertoire of songs and calls — delightful to listen to and to observe.

Perhaps the most common song is from the Song Sparrow.  They are everywhere and delightful.

Perhaps the most common song is from the Song Sparrow. They are everywhere and delightful.

Just as common are House Sparrows which seem to monopolize the area bird houses.  Since they are relatively sparse up my way, they are fun to watch.

Just as common are House Sparrows which seem to monopolize the area bird houses. Since they are relatively sparse up my way, they are fun to watch.

Northern Cardinals are also everywhere, singing away.  A morning walk is just filled with Cardinal music.

Northern Cardinals are also everywhere, singing away. A morning walk is just filled with Cardinal music.

Annapolis harbor was filled with boats and Mallards which are well fed by visitors.  The charter sailboat was readying for a brisk Saturday morning excursion.

Annapolis harbor was filled with boats and Mallards which are well fed by visitors. The charter sailboat was readying for a brisk Saturday morning excursion.

It was nice to see some Lesser Scaup and Bufflehead -- and hope we'll be getting them in VT in a few weeks.

It was nice to see some Lesser Scaup and Bufflehead — and hope we’ll be getting them in VT in a few weeks.

This Turkey Vulture with his buddies, was working the open Dumpster after the Navy/Maryland lacrosse game.  Good pickin's!

This Turkey Vulture with his buddies, was working the open Dumpster after the Navy/Maryland lacrosse game. Good pickin’s!

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