Two and a half hours at Lilypons... I Really Love This Place

I had a fruitful photographic time at the Lilypons, here in Frederick county. The only photos you won't see here are of the mile high bald eagle. I did take a couple of photos, I almost always do when it comes to eagles,  just not blog material. The line up of birds and critters follows...

 Lots of painted turtles taking advantage of the sunshine.

Mamma and Poppa Canadian Geese coming to protect their clutch of eggs

 

Red-Tailed Hawk

 

Song Sparrow

 

Groundhog

 

Great White Egret

Black Crowned Night Heron

Black Crowned Night Heron Rookery In the Park

These guys were so busy tearing small branches out of the trees for nesting materials they weren't bothered by me running around snapping a few photos. Considering the size of the branches they were tearing off they must be rather powerful birds for their size. 

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