Hooded Warbler
It was still warm, but the dew point dropped considerably, making it much more pleasant to be out birding. I didn't feel like going for a long drive, and I hadn't been to Mint Springs Park since May 6 when I got some good photos of Kentucky Warblers, so I decided to hike the Fire Trail again. It was quite dark with all the dense tree cover, and the only warblers I saw there were a few Hooded Warblers and American Redstarts. I didn't even hear any Kentucky Warblers this morning.
Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
American Redstart
I ended up with 17 avian species at Mint Springs Park.
Red-eyed Vireo
Chipping Sparrow
At that point, I decided to go over to Lickinghole Creek and Reservoir. I knew that the dense vegetation along the reservoir would make it difficult to see the reservoir, but perhaps there might be a Bald Eagle at the nest. There were a few birds out, and I got a peek through an opening in the brush.
Wood Ducks
Wood Duck
Dragonfly and Green Heron on the same flight path
Orchard Oriole
When I got to an opening where I could see the eagle nest high up and across the reservoir, I could see a juvenile at the nest. Every once in a while, it sould exercise its wings.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
I didn't realize until I got home and starting processing photos, that there were two juvenile Bald Eagles at the nest.
Juvenile Bald Eagles
When I got back to my car, I was up to 28 avian species for the morning. I hung my camera up in the car to drive home, and in less than a minute, saw a small black bird chasing a Red-shouldered Hawk. No time to get the camera for a photo, but the hawk made it 29 avian species. Well, I just needed one more species for 30, and even though I was tired from already hiking 4 miles this morning, I decided to do a little more birding here in Old Trail to get to 30 or more. Just as I was turning into Old Trail, I saw a Starling (# 30 for the morning), and decided to head for home.