Today was due for a change of scenery. Amazingly enough, Autumn is still holding on strong on the Chesapeake Bay. The warm waters have kept the temperatures higher than areas further away from the bay. The trees closest to the water are glorious.

Sandy Point Park, a Maryland State Park, is well located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay just at the Bay Ridge and Route 50.

There was news of a rare Atlantic Brant that has been hanging around on the beach this past weekend. This trip was in hopes to find this unusual bird. One of the easiest birds I have found. Driving right up to the edge of the beach, I got out and there the Brant was..nibbling grass by the picnic tables.

This little lovely migrates high into the arctic circle during the summer for breeding, and a large colony winters in New Jersey. Seems she got just a little off course.

Of course, there were plenty of gulls to enjoy while on the beach. Ring Billed, Herring, and Laughing Gulls nestled their heads for a mid morning nap against the cold wind.

A walk was then due along the woods edge to see what else I could see. Some beautiful Juncos flew back and forth, taunting me and not willing to pose. One sweetie though, obliged this bird photographer.

The day was complete with understory sights of a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Red Belly Woodpecker and a late in season Pine Warbler. Sorry..no photo proof as the lighting was non existent.

Tonight the temperatures are supposed to drop and an unexpected winter storm is to blow through tomorrow. Here’s hoping I’m not having to shovel snow!