Red Tailed Hawk at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

I left early to get to Blackwater around dawn and beat the traffic.  It takes about an hour and a half, and it’s not a bad drive when the traffic is light.

I usually go around Wildlife Loop several times-a nice drive with places to stop. I was surprised to see no Eagles on the first go round, but I ended up seeing 8 or more, including 5 at one time.

There weren’t many ducks yet, and no swans, but there was enough to make the trip worthwhile.

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This Cattle Egret was totally unafraid of me.

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Northern Shovelers were well represented.

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I saw quite a few Northern Pintails.

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Several Great Blue Herons were fishing in the marsh.

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Bald Eagles were in all parts of the park.

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I found a few Hooded Mergansers, just a bit too far for good images.

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Many Mallards call Blackwater home.

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This young Red Tailed Hawk was perched at the side of the road.

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This very large Snapping Turtle was crossing the road.