Back in the 70s I used to go several times a year to Blackwater NWR, so I decided to try again this morning. It’s changed a bit, with better roads and amenities, and a service charge ($3.00), but the birds are as numerous and spectacular.
I saw two Bald Eagles even before I entered, and many more during the morning (I stayed about 4 hours). Swans, Geese, Herons, and Ducks were numerous, and I saw one Duck that was new to me. I spent some time on the marsh trail and heard numerous woodpeckers, including a Pileated who escaped my lens.
A spectacular day!
This Bald Eagle was one of a pair sitting on a dock just before the entrance to the refuge. It’s one of my best Eagle images to date.
A very good look at the tail feathers.
Better light would have been nice, but I’ll take it.
This Great Blue Heron wasn’t quite awake yet.
Large flocks of Snow Geese were feeding in the marsh.
This Hooded Merganser and his mate were hanging out with a flock of Mallards.
A fellow birder pointed out this Belted Kingfisher.
I saw more Mallards than any other duck.
This Bald Eagle was quite content to have his picture taken.
Two Great Blue Herons were fishing side by side.
I had to look in my book to identify these Northern Shovellers as I’ve never seen one before.
The American Kestrel used to be known as the Sparrow Hawk.
I was lucky to snap this photo just as the Turkey Vulture was landing.
The light was beginning to improve when I found this Great Blue Heron.