Warming Sunshine
With a pre-dawn departure to head to the beautiful and natural Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the bitter cold temperatures and strong winds made me wonder if I really should have just stayed snuggled in my warm bed.
Heading to Cambridge, Maryland to visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a long two-hour drive had me arrive to the wildlife loop to be greeted by the sun. Hundreds of Canadian Geese swam in the warming sun even though the waters were ice covered.
Along the marsh flew Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and Ring-Billed Gulls in search for breakfast in the morning light. Along the marsh stood this refuge storage shed, standing strong and stark.
Along the Marsh
I watched while this Great Blue Heron stood in a small section of flowing water that wasn’t frozen over, patiently waiting for a fish to swim by. His hair blowing in the wind, I was glad to be watching from the comforts of my car.
Fishing at Dawn
The day was beautiful, although a good portion of the wildlife trail was closed due to construction. High in the skies flew thousands of snow geese that settled into the marsh for the morning.
Snow Geese
Snow Geese filling the sky
The high cold winds kept the birds far from me, even with my 500mm lens. I’ve discovered that it’s really hard to hold the lens steady in 20 mph winds! Even fully bundled, I had a hard time spending much time out of the car. The wind just blew the cold through to my bones.
I managed to find an American Kestrel, a Red Tail Hawk, and several American Bald Eagles. A great raptor day. I’m thrilled that I’m starting to get better at capturing the Red Tail Hawks, in spite of the high winds.
American Bald Eagle
American Kestrel
Red Tail Hawk
It really was a wonderful birding day, even if a lot of birds were too far for me to get a really nice photo. Especially the fancy ducks, perhaps another trip may be in order. I hope you enjoyed this morning in nature with me, and may it bring a piece of serenity.
Fit to be tied
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Foot Prints, Nature, travel
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
AMAZING Captures – thanks so much for sharing!!! Happy Thursday:)
Thank you so very much for stopping by and showing your appreciation of this post Renee ! Hope all is going well with you.
wonderful variety, and wonderful photos..
It is my pleasure to be able to share these with you Vicki.
These are wonderful. I especially like the heron in the water. So much fabulous detail.
You are too kind ! I sort of wanted to get out of the car to get a better angle, but I was afraid he’d fly off. Have no idea how he could stand in that frozen water so patiently. Thank you!
So that’s where all our geese went. The group of snow geese flying is awesome.
Hehe…Yep..I’m a goose Pied Piper. They’ve all flocked to where I am. 🙂 I’ll send them back you’re way when they’re overextended their stay.
Beautiful images! Love the eagle photo especially. It almost seems like he’s looking at the camera.
Thank you so much Tricia ! I agree ! I was so thrilled with that photo. Even after my three days of stalking them at Conowingo Dam, I didn’t get the great detail in the white head & tail like I did in this one. He was definitely keeping an eye on me.
Beautiful, beautiful captures. I especially love the eagle!
Thank you so very much Soonie ! So happy you enjoyed these photos.
I love them all, but especially the snow geese, I don’t think that I’ve ever seen one in person. I do remember watching a documentary about them in the late 1960’s or early 70’s, as they were nearly extinct. Your raptor shots make me jealous, I’ve posted photos of all three species recently, but I can not get shots that sharp from my equipment.
Thank you so much Jerry for your compliments on the raptor photos. Have to admit, practice and lots of it is helping. I usually have so many photos out of focus, or even with the bird not in the frame ! So I get bad shots too, I just don’t show them. 🙂
The Snow Geese are amazing ! There is a place in PA where there are hundred of thousands of these visiting each late Feb/March. A field trip is due, and I’ll think of you while I’m there.
I hope that you take many photos, so that I’ll have a better idea of what good equipment in the hands of an expert can do!
Wonderful photos and really likes the snow geese one amazing that they can fly so close without accident – and then a “giraffe bird”, it never gets hot food is cold before it reaches the bird through the neck… 😉
LOL ! I have never heard the term Giraffe Bird. That is awesome Drake ! I can totally see how they never get to eat warm food. I do wonder how the snow geese manage to not run into each other.
These are wonderful photos, Bella! Looks like you had a great day (and I get blown around, too, with my 500mm. Wind makes for some interesting photo adventures, doesn’t it?).
LOL ! I should show you the first two I took when trying to get the bald eagles in low light. It’s an impressionist view of flying eagles. 🙂 Thanks Kate.
Fantastic visual display of nature at her best. I simply love the blue heron – oh wow, with his hair flying in the breeze almost looks human. This series is fantastic photography!
Thank you so much Mary. I always look forward to your comments. Your artistic eye really helps me as a coach to truly see what is inside my photos and makes them good and also not so good. At this rate I may need to pay you an artist consulting fee. 😉
Fantastic shots of the hawk, kestrel, and eagle Emily!
They were wonderful finds weren’t they Phil ! I think I’m getting better..baby steps right?
You really had a great day, Emily. Beautiful shots. The snow geese are such a great and unique photo.
It really was a special day. I’m hoping to see more snow geese in the near future to share with you.
Outstanding shots! I love them all!!
You are so kind Judy, and it’s always wonderful when you stop by for a visit. I love your enthusiasm and passion for good living.
There is something very special and magical about watching birds. I never tire of it.
Funny, neither do I, as a Carolina Wren sings her song outside my window.
Lucky you! We have blackbirds, robins and one regular wren too. 🙂
Great bird photos, Emily.
Thank you so much Bente ! Funny I had one idea in mind when I went out there, and came home with something different. It’s all good though.
Wow! Stunning seems inadequate! Love the heron having a bad hair day 🙂
Thank you so very much Madhu. This project 365 is making me work HARD on my photography skills.
Wonderful shots!! I very much enjoy viewing your images- such talent!!
Thank you so much Cynthia. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Hope to see you back soon!