This morning I headed out to a local park The Patapsco Valley State Park. A perennial favorite for my friend and I to hike.
Arriving a little early so that I could explore, I stopped by “Lost Lake” and managed to capture four different birds in one image. The bonus find at the lake was a Red Necked Grebe which usually doesn’t winter in our area.
Hooded Merganser, Red Necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron and Ring Necked Duck (from left to right)
Red Necked Grebe
We went past the Morning Choice trail, with snow covering ice below. Yak Trax and Katoolas on our feet, we walked steady. Contemplating which way to turn, the sign tempted us to begin a trek to California.
We crossed paths of three White Tailed Deer. We stopped in our tracks. They stopped in their tracks. We both stared at each other. Us in amazement. Them in curiosity, wonder and concern. They slowly ambled off. It was good that they found us a calming presence.
We followed a stream that lead to Cascade Falls. Icicles hanging from fallen branches and trees.
The falls were full, roaring with their might of the push of the water from melting snow.
Cascade Falls
On the last leg of our nine mile hike a tree filled with fresh holes caught my eye. Nearing, a Pileated Woodpecker flushed out giving us a great opportunity to check out her/his deluxe condominium that was in the construction process.
It was a fantastic day for a hike and returning back to nature. Walk the trails, but leave no trace.
Categories: Foot Prints, Maryland Area Hikes, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
wow!! a deer this time of year, That must of been quite the sight in person! Love the waterfalls and icicles 🙂
Deer are here all the time. Great deer hunting around here too. In fact, just had some venison steak that a friend brought me this week. 🙂
I had some for the first time years ago, absolutely loved it! so yummy 🙂
Great post – thanks for sharing!!
Truly my pleasure Judy. Hope you were able to head out there to see the Grebe.
Oh, Emily – you have such a gift of capturing the essence of the seasons. Truly beautiful.
You are too sweet Rebecca. Seems I’ve been stuck in winter though. Can’t wait for spring and the cherry blossoms in DC. Soon, I hope.
I know it’s cold Em, and I’m sure your sick and tired of it now, but the weather does offer some great photo opportunities 😊
Thank you for sharing my pain Mark. What I’m tired of is wearing so much clothes ! You’re right though. the weather changes brings such interesting scenes.
A great day for a hike in the woods, a red necked grebe, what more could you ask for?
Absolutely ! The Grebe was a super bonus for the day. The hike was great too. Thanks Jerry.
Looks a fantastic hike Emily – (I am quite jealous – I want to be there) – and of course you have captured it so well with your superb photos.
This hike would have been like a stroll in the park for you. Super easy compared to your terrain and mountains. Thanks for taking the hike with me.
BEASUTIFULL
Thanks James!
hehe
Wonderful waterfall – it looks like lace streaming over the rocks.
The waterfall was truly amazing ! I could have spent an hour trying different ways to capture it. Perhaps another day.
Loving your captures – makes me want to escape the office and head outdoors:) Happy Weekend!
Oh I hope you got out into nature this past weekend Renee. Thank you so much. 🙂
Nice images and story! I’ve been doing a lot of winter hiking, too. Someday it will be spring again; maybe after next week’s storm 🙂
You said the five letter dirty word Tricia. Thanks alot. Here’s hoping you didn’t jinx us. 🙂
LOL! Hope you are having a nice snow day! Maybe it’s our last one!!
Awesome journey!! Thanks for taking us along with you. 🙂
A couple of weeks ago I saw my first trio of Hooded Mergansers, they are beautiful birds and you captured it so well here. And what a great find to have all four of them! Ring-necks and Grebes I’ve not seen but definitely seen my fair share of Great-Blues, they never get old and you got it in all its glory.
Your choice of pictures to tell this story is great and varied. I love the falls and icicles too.
Cheers!
eLPy