I had an interesting experience capturing images of various birds at the bay level of the Ocean City Welcome Centre. Before Bhavna and I left the welcome centre, I photographed a trio of Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in flight over the salt marsh. For some reason, I found it easier to get in-focus flying shots of these Mallards compared to the Ibis and Egrets I had photographed earlier, even though the lighting conditions were the same. Maybe the Mallards were more cooperative, or perhaps I was just more in sync with their movements.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

After photographing the adult Mallards, I stumbled upon this scene on my way back to the Welcome Center. A group of baby Mallards was exploring the ground, pecking curiously at the dirt and foliage. Their fluffy feathers and tiny, adorable movements were a heartwarming sight. I couldn’t resist capturing a few shots.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

https://islandinthenet.com/mallard/

#Anas #AnasPlatyrhynchos #BirdWatching #Birding #Mallard #OceanCity #OceanCityWelcomeCenter

On June 8, 2024, Bhavna and I drove to the Ocean City Welcome Center. It was an exceptional day for bird-watching. The weather was perfect – clear blue skies and a comfortable 25°C (77°F). As I strolled through the area below the welcome centre, I spotted two beautiful Boat-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus major).

The first grackle caught my eye as it perched atop a tree. Its iridescent plumage glistened in the sunlight, displaying an array of deep blues and purples. I couldn’t resist capturing a few shots, enjoying how the light accentuated its feathers against the clear sky.

Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

A short while later, I noticed another grackle wading through a nearby marsh. This one moved slowly through the shallow water, its reflection creating a beautiful mirror image. The grackle's colours shimmered against the greenery and water. I stood and watched it move.

I identified these birds using iNaturalist and the Cornell Labs Merlin ID app, confirming they were indeed Boat-tailed Grackles. The grackle does not have the vibrant colours of warblers or the majesty of egrets and herons, but in its own way, it’s an attractive bird.

Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

https://islandinthenet.com/boat-tailed-grackle/

#BirdWatching #Birding #BoatTailedGrackle #Grackle #OceanCity #OceanCityWelcomeCenter #Quiscalus #QuiscalusMajor

At the bottom of the stairs, on the ground level of the Ocean City Welcome & Information Center, I had my first Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sighting. The eagle stood by edge of the water, its powerful body framed between the shimmering marsh water and the green grass in the foreground. Its sharp, hooked beak and intense gaze exuded, at least to me, strength and dominance. Excited, I ran under the bridge toward the water, hoping to get a closer look.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Under the bridge, it was shaded and cool, a nice break from the sun. As I got closer, I noticed a man standing nearby, doing exactly what I wanted to do – photographing the eagle. We exchanged greetings and talked about how unusual it was to see an eagle at the salt marsh. Bald Eagles aren’t typically seen here. We were both thrilled by the unexpected opportunity to photograph this bird.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Seeing the Bald Eagle’s powerful presence and striking white head was exciting. I managed to capture some wonderful photographs. The eagle was being dive-bombed by a few shorebirds, which I couldn’t identify. The attacking birds were a blur of motion above the eagle, their wings swept back like a fighter plane. Despite the barrage, the eagle remained unfazed, maintaining its dignified stance.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

After repeated harassment from the other birds, the Bald Eagle decided it was time to move on. I captured a photograph mid-flight, with its wings spread wide, showcasing the patterns of its feathers. The motion of its powerful wings displayed grace and agility.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Learning that the Bald Eagle is critically endangered (S1B, S1N) in New Jersey made this sighting even more special. According to NatureServe, this status means the Bald Eagle is at a very high risk of local extinction during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons.

https://islandinthenet.com/bald-eagle/

#BaldEagle #BirdWatching #Birding #Eagle #Haliaeetus #HaliaeetusLeucocephalus #OceanCity #OceanCityWelcomeCenter #TheRookery

As Bhavna and I were ready to leave the Ocean City Welcome & Information Center, we walked back on the path toward the parking area. I slowed down a bit to make sure I didn’t miss any of the birds I expected to find. I’m glad I did. I saw a Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) and I also saw a Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax).

I also saw a Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). This bird, with its stocky build, black crown and back, grey wings, and a white-to-greyish body, stood out strikingly against the green of the leaves. Its stout black bill and notable red eyes gave it an almost spooky appearance. The red eyes reminded me of the eyes of demons and evil characters like the Sith in Star Wars.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

The Black-crowned Night Heron, whose conservation status is imperilled (S2B, S3N) in New Jersey, US (NatureServe), is typically found in wetlands, marshes, and along shorelines, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and insects. I did not see any Black-crowned Night Heron chicks. Perhaps, like the Yellow-crowned Night Heron chicks, they were well-hidden in the dense foliage or had already fledged and left the nest.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

The atmosphere was serene, filled with the sounds of water, wind, and birdsong. In the distance, I could hear the hum of power boats and jet skis. Salt marshes are some of the world's most productive yet vulnerable ecosystems.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) · 8 June 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

After we left the Welcome Center, I pulled up the location on Google Maps. Panning around the salt marsh, I noticed that the paved walkway extended north. Had we explored a bit more, we would have discovered a path to the other side of the Rookery with expansive views of the Great Egg Harbour Bay. I may have been able to get more incredible photographs of the birds foraging for food in the marsh. I need to make another trip before the birds move on.

https://islandinthenet.com/black-crowned-night-heron-nycticorax-nycticorax/

#BirdWatching #Birding #BlackCrownedNightHeron #Heron #Nycticorax #NycticoraxNycticorax #OceanCity #OceanCityWelcomeCenter #TheRookery