I went to Eastern Neck NWR a couple of days ago and it was a major disappointment. Â I’ve heard good things for years, but a 70 mile trip didn’t appeal, and I picked exactly the wrong time. I got only a couple of images, and nothing exciting.
Yesterday I stayed local and didn’t find much at all.
Today was back to Backwater, which was much more productive. Â Eagle were abundant, a few hawks showed up and a few ducks as well, and the weather was perfect.
![Northern Shoveler 2017-15 Northern Shoveler 2017-15](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Northern-Shoveler-2017-15.jpg?resize=584%2C497&ssl=1)
Northern Shovelers are still abundant.
![Great Blue Heron 2017-16 Great Blue Heron 2017-16](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Great-Blue-Heron-2017-16.jpg?resize=584%2C547&ssl=1)
On a calm day you can get some wonderful reflections like this Great Blue heron.
![American White Pelican 2017-3 American White Pelican 2017-3](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/American-White-Pelican-2017-3.jpg?resize=584%2C448&ssl=1)
The American White Pelicans are still hanging out.
![Horned Grebe 2017-10 Horned Grebe 2017-10](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Horned-Grebe-2017-10.jpg?resize=584%2C435&ssl=1)
This Horned Grebe was at Thomas Point.
![Bufflehead 2017-44 Bufflehead 2017-44](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bufflehead-2017-44.jpg?resize=584%2C489&ssl=1)
Buffleheads also at Thomas Point.
![Canvasback 2017-16 Canvasback 2017-16](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Canvasback-2017-16.jpg?resize=584%2C456&ssl=1)
This Canvasback was at my friend’s house.
![Lesser Scaup 2017-21 Lesser Scaup 2017-21](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Lesser-Scaup-2017-21.jpg?resize=584%2C423&ssl=1)
These Scaup were the only interesting birds I found at Eastern Neck.
![Eastern Neck 1 Eastern Neck 1](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Eastern-Neck-1.jpg?resize=584%2C390&ssl=1)
A view of Eastern Neck NWR.
![Bald Eagle 2017-46 Bald Eagle 2017-46](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bald-Eagle-2017-46.jpg?resize=584%2C460&ssl=1)
![Bald Eagle 2017-45 Bald Eagle 2017-45](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bald-Eagle-2017-45.jpg?resize=584%2C478&ssl=1)
![Bald Eagle 2017-54 Bald Eagle 2017-54](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bald-Eagle-2017-54.jpg?resize=584%2C597&ssl=1)
Many Eagles were active today.
![Hooded Merganser 2017-784 Hooded Merganser 2017-784](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hooded-Merganser-2017-784.jpg?resize=584%2C427&ssl=1)
![Hooded Merganser 2017-790 Hooded Merganser 2017-790](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hooded-Merganser-2017-790.jpg?resize=584%2C459&ssl=1)
Hooded Mergansers were more cooperative than usual today.
![Tundra Swan 2017-49 Tundra Swan 2017-49](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tundra-Swan-2017-49.jpg?resize=584%2C510&ssl=1)
![Tundra Swan 2017-50 Tundra Swan 2017-50](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tundra-Swan-2017-50.jpg?resize=584%2C473&ssl=1)
Tundra Swans are still numerous.
![Cooper's Hawk 2017-3 Cooper's Hawk 2017-3](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Coopers-Hawk-2017-3.jpg?resize=584%2C462&ssl=1)
![Cooper's Hawk 2017-2 Cooper's Hawk 2017-2](https://i0.wp.com/hughvandervoort.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Coopers-Hawk-2017-2.jpg?resize=584%2C668&ssl=1)
I was lucky to spot this Cooper’s Hawk by the side of the road.