Red Tailed Hawk at Blackwater NWR.

I got to Blackwater just in time for a couple of sunrise shots, and the resident birds got active right away. A Red Tailed Hawk initially eluded me, but I found him later and got a couple of good looks.

The water along WIldlife Drive was ice-free, unlike my last visit.  There weren’t as as many ducks as I wanted, but there was plenty of variety. Swans and Geese were abundant, but difficult to photograph due to distance.

I made a brief stop at Oakley Street, where the water was spraying over the wall. A good day, with good light.

Blackwater Dawn 57

Sunrise at Blackwater NWR.

Northern Shoveler 23019-2

Northern Shoveler 23019-5

There were fewer Northern Shovelers than usual.

American Wigeon 2019-7

American Wigeon 2019-8

American Wigeon at Oakley Street.

Canvasback 2019-27

There were many Canvasbacks.

Lesser Scaup 2019-22

Many Scaup were in the crowd.

Tundra Swan 2019-28

Many Tundra Swans were foraging in the marsh.

Bald Eagle 2019-11

I found about 5 Bald Eagles.

Great Blue Heron 2019-17

I found this Great Blue Heron as I entered the refuge.

Red Tailed Hawk 2019-4

Red Tailed Hawk 2019-5

I saw this Red Tailed Hawk on three different perches.