Sika Deer at Blackwater NWR.

“The sika deer is a small, brown elk that lives in quiet marshes and forested wetlands on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.” I have known of these elk for some time, but my few sightings produced no decent photo opps. Today’s encounter was much more fortuitous. These animals usually run off at first sight, but today’s animal was hardly concerned at all with out presence, and Graeme and I got several decent images.

We found many distant herons and egrets, a few eagles and a nesting pair of Red Headed Woodpeckers as well.

We spent a fair amount of time looking for other species, with minimal success. It’s still early, though, and I expect better luck soon.

Graeme Simpson 18

Graeme brought along a portable chair.

Bald Eagle 2018-47

This Bald Eagle was in the usual tree along Wildlife Drive.

Red Headed Woodpecker 2018-24 Red Headed Woodpecker 2018-23

Red Headed Woodpecker 2018-25

These Red Headed Woodpecker parents were busy feeding their young.

Barn Swallow 2018-7

Barn Swallow 2018-8

We found this Barn Swallow at the observation tower.

Wild Turkey 2018-1

Wild Turkey 2018-2

Graeme spotted this Wild Turkey at the end of Wildlife Drive.

Great Blue Heron 2018-22 Great Blue Heron 2018-21

Great Blue Heron 2018-23

Many Great Blue Herons were feeding in the marsh.

Red Winged Blackbird 2018-25 Red Winged Blackbird 2018-24 Red Winged Blackbird 2018-23 Red Winged Blackbird 2018-22 Red Winged Blackbird 2018-21

Red Winged Blackbird 2018-26

This Red Winged Blackbird seemed to be carrying food for her young.

Red Tailed Hawk 2018-1

Red Tailed Hawk 2018-2

We spotted this Red Tailed Hawk along Key Wallace Drive.

Great Egret 2018-24

Only a few Great Egrets were close enough for images.

Orchard Oriole 2018-12 Orchard Oriole 2018-11

Orchard Oriole 2018-13

This Orchard Oriole posed in a very nice setting.

Sika Deer 2018-3 Sika Deer 2018-1

Sika Deer 2018-2

We found this Sika Elk along Key Wallace Drive.

 

 

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