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Birders and their scopes. Put a needle on that vinyl record, and see what it plays! On the third Saturday of each month, the Audubon Society of Central Maryland sponsors a nature walk at one of its sanctuaries.  During an "even" month, like August (the 8th month), the walk is at Fred Archibald.  On the "odd" months, like September (the 9th month), the walk will be at Audrey Carroll.  Today I joined the walk at Fred Archibald, which began at 9 am.  It was billed as the "Summer Wildlife Walk," knowing that this is not a time to see lots of birds, but there is always something to see at either of the sanctuaries, no matter the time of year.

A moth suns itself A cicada suns itself. Today's walk was led by Crystal, Bonnie, and Kathy, who are members of the Audubon Society and local bird clubs.  You can always tell the birders from the photographers, because they are usually wearing not only their binoculars, but carrying tripods with birding scopes attached.  The way they walk the sanctuary is different from me, because they tend to stop in one place for a much longer time, listen to bird calls, and gaze off into the far distant treetops.

Right away we saw a flock of cedar waxwings flitting about over the grasses and into the trees.  They were likely catching insects on the wing.  Of course, they stayed well out the range of my camera, but those birders with their scopes got some great views.

Pearl Crescent butterfly Male widow skimmer dragonfly (I think) I found dragonflies, a few butterflies, and some insects.  It was nice to walk with others, even at a very slow pace, to talk about birding locations, cameras and lenses, and trips both planned and taken.  

The next walk is at Audrey Carroll on Saturday, September 16, at 9 a.m., where the focus will be on monarch tagging.  This is one not to miss, although I will have to miss it.  Monarchs should be plentiful in the sanctuary that day, if the weather is good.  Tiny little stickers will be put on their wings, which does not impede their flight at all.  

Female widow skimmer dragonfly (I think) Here is a link to future walks at the sanctuaries:  Nature Walks.  Thanks, everyone, for coming out to the sanctuary today.  It was nice to see new faces!

<Thanks for reading my blog entry, which is part of a personal photography project to bring attention to and to benefit the Fred Archibald Sanctuary in New Market, MD.  The sanctuary is owned and managed by the Audubon Society of Central Maryland.  Copyright 2017 Cam Miller.  All photographs are for sale upon request.>