I had eye surgery Monday, spent Tuesday and Wednesday recovering, but got to Patuxent Wildlife Refuge this morning late, as I took a wrong turn. The late start put me right in the hottest weather, and I didn’t stay long. I believe this much heat affects the birds, who are probably staying in the shade, or deep in the woods.
This Bluebird, and several juveniles, were at the lake.
A flock of Canada Geese flew low over the lake.
This Deer was cooling off in the marsh.
I often pass up Mourning Doves because they are so common, but I liked the look of this one.
There are Dragonflies in every corner of the refuge.
I watched this Kingfisher for quite a while as she flew back and forth over Goose Pond. The water level was very low, and I fear he may have been wasting his time.
It was far too hot to chase butterflies, but this Western Tiger Swallowtail landed quite close and posed for a while.
This Blue Grosbeak was a surprise. He was deep in the little bush, and I thought I was photographing a Starling.
I’m unsure, but I think this is an Eastern Wood Peewee .