Frederick County Maryland... Bald Eagles

We had a successful eagle day. Private property and a very co-operative land owner and a friend (and Blogger) Steve Ferendo, who put it all together, gave me some great eagle opportunities. Here are only a few.

 Why is everybody always pickin' on me.

What a Great Blue Heron Day

The great blue herons are incredibly efficient stealthy hunters. Here, a great blue nabs a small catfish and beats it up a bit before eating it. Unfortunately, I was on the top side of the long shadow on some the photos. I later came upon a wood duck and lucky enough to get a couple photos.

Potpourri of Critters

It amazes me at what we have among us. I am so fortunate to be living in an area that has so much to offer with-in a few miles from my driveway.

Mallards, one hiding and one not.

Stinkpot turtle, notice the claws. 

 

Frogs croaking for a mate. 

Muskrat going up stream.

 

Surprise... A Beaver.  

 

 

 

Red Shouldered Hawk, leaving the nest. There were two, hope a family is on the way. 

 

Slate Junco 

 

Red Shouldered hawks 

Red Shouldered Hawk at the Lilypons and some sassy Song Sparrows

For the longest time I had heard the hawk calling out it's presence. Finally I was rewarded by a fly-by.

And then there was this crow... They were a long way off but I decided to take the shot anyway.

As I was walking through another area of Lilypons, I witnessed a couple Song Sparrows dueling, mating, territorial protection, I'm not quite sure. After their dispute they went to their respective areas and sang a tune.

A First... Hopefully not the last... A River Otter

I feel privileged to have witnessed and photographed a River Otter this morning. What a treat to have seen probably one the more rare animals on our Maryland rivers.

A Canada Goose In Motion, Blackbird, Great Blue Herons, a Kestrel, Mocking Bird and Song Sparrow

Lilypons Water Gardens almost always presents me opportunities of the feathered variety. Today was exceptional. Being at the right place at the right time is also helpful. This first series of photos are of a Canada Goose taking off and landing. Check it out.

Here are some photos of a Red Wing Blackbird without his spring colors.

Great Blue Herons have a rookery here, AND... It's been populated.

Then there was a Kestrel,Mocking Bird and a Song Sparrow.