Aquia Landing Park and Crow’s Nest Natural Area – April 4, 2026
On a perfect morning, we set out under beautiful blue skies for a morning of birding. With temperatures resting in the comfortable 70s and a gentle breeze rolling off the water, the day was off to a fantastic start. We started at Aquia Landing Park, where we were quickly greeted by so many Ospreys circling the river and in the trees behind us. It was a thrill to watch them actively calling and carrying large sticks to build their nests. As we moved along the shore, a Palm Warbler played a game of hide-and-seek, challenging us to spot it through the early leaves. After looking hard, the group was finally rewarded with views of its distinct plumage.
Continuing our walk along the shore, the water yielded more delightful finds. We spotted a distant raft of eight Lesser Scaup alongside a couple of American Coots in the protected cove. The stroll along the beach offered majestic views of two Bald Eagles; one surveyed the water from the rocky bank, while the other perched on a branch right over the road. In the trees long the road, several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, part of a notable count of ten for the day, were busy chasing each other through the branches. The highlight of the forest, however, was the call of a Red-shouldered Hawk pair. We watched, captivated, as they screamed and flew just over treetop level. We also noted a bustling flock of thirty Red-winged Blackbirds in the marsh and a respectable mix of eighteen White-throated Sparrows foraging in the brush.
After a rewarding morning by the river, we took the short drive over to the boardwalk access at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve. The habitat shift brought new voices, including an Eastern Phoebe that offered us lovely views as it called and pumped its tail as it flew between perching spots. Our sharpest observation of the day happened looking out over a grassy island. We spent several minutes studying some camouflaged mystery birds tucked into the vegetation. Patience paid off when we finally secured rewarding views of a few Wilson’s Snipes, their long bills blending perfectly into the marsh grass. It was a fantastic way to conclude our outing, a reminder of the quiet surprises that await when we simply take the time to look closely at the natural world.
eBird Checklist – 4 Apr 2026 – Aquia Landing Park – 46 species (+1 other taxa)
