24-March through 30-March

Hey everyone!

It's been an amazing last week of March here in Arlington, Virginia. One of the highlights this week was spotting several birds of prey—always a thrilling sight! I've also started seeing more nesting behavior, which pairs perfectly with the recent rise in temperatures and confirms that spring is officially here.

This week's post is more photo-focused than usual. Over the past few weeks, I've been using similar charts, so I'm hitting pause on the graphs this week to plan for April. I'm working on standardizing each weekly post with a consistent mix of 2–3 Python-generated graphs and 2–3 Excel visualizations. The goal is to create something visually clean, informative, and easy to follow for casual readers and fellow data nerds.

I've been thinking more about why I use certain colors and chart types. For example, I avoid red/green contrasts and overly complex visualizations because I want the focus to stay on trends, not distractions. I'm also colorblind, so I prioritize high-contrast palettes and clear markers. In Python, I lean on simple line and bar plots with minimal "chart junk," In Excel, I go for clarity—think stacked columns, bold labels, and purposeful color use. I might add a short note under each graph to explain these choices and make the data even more approachable.

On another exciting note, I finally started mapping out the YouTube channel! I hope to take you behind the scenes to show how I gather bird data and build the weekly charts. It'll be a mix of birdwatching in action, data storytelling, and a look at what goes into this Arlington-based project.

Thanks again for following along. I hope everyone has a great start to April. As always, happy birding!

Canada Goose on Water

This Canada Goose was gliding across the water with quiet confidence, totally unbothered by the world around it. It’s always fun to watch them paddle around like they own the place—because, honestly, they kind of do.

Turkey Vulture and American Crow

A rare pairing—this Turkey Vulture and American Crow were just hanging out together on a grassy mound. It almost looked like they were having a mid-morning meeting. Two very different birds, side-by-side, scanning the field like patrol partners.

Ring-billed Gull on Grass

Caught this Ring-billed Gull standing tall like it was posing for a headshot. Its bright eye and sharp bill looked extra striking against the soft grass—simple, elegant, and totally camera-ready.

Wood Ducks in Pond

This colorful pair of Wood Ducks floated into frame just as the light hit the water. The male’s iridescent feathers and the female’s subtle beauty always make this duo one of my favorites to photograph. They looked like they were on a peaceful morning date.

Osprey With Fish

This Osprey had just scored a big breakfast and found a high perch to enjoy it. I could hear the crunching from the ground as it tore into the fish—an intense, but awesome reminder of how powerful these birds really are.

Double-crested Cormorant Swimming

With just its head and neck visible above the water, this Double-crested Cormorant looked sleek and focused. It turned its head as if to make sure I saw its orange throat patch—a perfect flash of color in the calm water.

Cooper’s Hawk in Tree

This Cooper’s Hawk perched perfectly still, like a statue carved into the branches. It had that sharp, calculating look that hawks are known for—scanning the world below for the next movement. You could tell it was thinking.

Osprey in Tree

High above the trail, this Osprey kept a watchful eye on the water. It had the relaxed posture of a bird that’s already eaten but wasn’t done being in control. A king surveying its kingdom.

Great Blue Heron in Grass

I spotted this Great Blue Heron peeking through the tall grass like it was playing hide and seek. Its long neck moved slowly, deliberately, like it was measuring each moment before taking another step toward the shoreline.

Great Blue Heron in Flight

Just as I was packing up, this Great Blue Heron took off, spreading its massive wings in a slow, graceful launch. It looked like it was floating more than flying—one last stunning moment before it disappeared beyond the trees.