Wood Duck at Blackwater NWR.

There’s still not much happening around here, so I went to Blackwater again this morning.

Things are definitely picking up, with many more ducks, more active eagles and a lot of sparrows.

Perfect light and a small flock of Wood Ducks made it a very good day.

Blackwater Dawn 30

Blackwater Dawn 29

Blackwater Dawn.

Northern Shoveler 2017-46

Northern Shoveler 2017-47

Northern Shovelers have returned, but not in large numbers.

Bald Eagle 2017-204 Bald Eagle 2017-203

Bald Eagle 2017-205

Many Bald Eagles were hunting this morning. I saw 4 in the air at one time.

Wood Duck 2017-99 Wood Duck 2017-98

Wood Duck 2017-100

A female and first year male Wood Duck. The first I’ve seen at Blackwater.

Hooded Merganser 2017-801

Hooded Merganser 2017-802

A male Hooded Merganser.

Mallard 2017-44

I saw many, many Mallards.

Ruddy Duck 2017-11

Ruddy Ducks are still scarce.

Northern Pintail 2017-47 Northern Pintail 2017-46 Northern Pintail 2017-45 Northern Pintail 2017-44

Northern Pintail 2017-48

A large flock of Northern Pintails was the largest I’ve ever seen.

Cackling Goose 2017-9

Canada Goose 2017-56

Hundreds of Canada Geese were feeding in the marsh.

Ground Hog 4

Groundhogs don’t often sit still long enough for a portrait.