Bald Eagle Near Home

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bald eagle, colonial lake, photography, postaday

Early this morning I went to Colonial Lake, a small lake about 5 miles (8 km) from home where at least one Bald Eagle has been seen on a daily basis. Not more than 15 minutes after I arrived, an eagle swooped down and plucked a big fish out of the lake. I was not quite ready yet, so my first shot is not the best, but at least you do see the action.

Bald Eagle catching fish.

The eagle took the fish to a high branch on a tree and proceeded to eat it there.

Bald Eagle eating fish.

He ate the whole fish in less than 10 minutes, after which he took off right above me to go for a drink.

Bald Eagle flying toward water.

Bald Eagle drinking lake water.

He had several drinks, looking up each time to check his surroundings.

Balk Eagle looking up after one drink.

Then he shifted position.

Bald Eagle turning.

Bald Eagle after turn.

Then he flew up to a nearby tree, perched on a branch, and looked down on the lake and the other birds there, ignoring the few humans who wandered around along the lake shore.

Bald Eagle.

I think he eventually took a nap for I did not see it move from his perch for almost half an hour.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Rise/Set – 2

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Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, photography, postaday, sunset, weekly photo challenge

This is the second part for this Weekly Photo Challenge at the following link: https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/rise-set/

The shot below is of the most colorful sunset I ever saw at the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

Sunset at EBF, January 2015.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Rise/Set

Tags

photography, postaday, sunrise, weekly photo challenge

This WPC is at the following link: https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/rise-set/

The following sunrise shot was taken one early morning in December 2017 at a farm about two miles from our home.

Sunrise at Cherry Orchard Farm.

Canada Geese Courtship

Tags

canada geese, Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, photography, postaday

Weatherwise, Spring is late this year with temperatures around the freezing mark, but otherwise it is already here for the birds, ducks, and geese. Spring is breeding season for them, and nature can’t wait. Today, I saw what is likely a courtship ritual between two Canada Geese at the refuge. It went on for about three minutes before the pair swam off together into the sunrise.

Male Canada Goose swimming toward the female, making lots of noise and waves.

Courtship between two Canada Geese.

Courtship between two Canada Geese.

Courtship between two Canada Geese.

Courtship between two Canada Geese. She finally said “Yes!”  

Great Egret

Tags

Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, great egret, photography, postaday

This was the first Great Egret I saw at the refuge this Spring. It was still cold and quite windy so it did not stay too long.

Great Egret.

Great Egret starting its flight.

Great Egret airborne.

Birds in Fourth Nor’Easter

Tags

dark-eyed junco, downy woodpecker, photography, postaday, tufted titmouse, white-throated sparrow

It’s been snowing since early this morning and will not stop until late tonight. So far, eight hours into our fourth Nor’Easter only about 5 inches of snow fell, but the forecast is calling for at least double that by the time the storm ends.

As usual, I cleaned and stocked the bird feeder with sunflower seeds and all the usual birds came, emptying half of the feeder by the end of the day. I did not miss the opportunity to take some photos as they posed among the magnolia branches.

Downy Woodpecker.

Downy Woodpecker.

Dark-eyed Junco.

White-throated Sparrow.

Tufted Titmouse.

Goldfinch in Snowstorm

Tags

american goldfinch, photography, postaday

Same storm, different bird. An American Goldfinch tried to get to the bird feeder, but since it was so windy and snowy, the bird eventually took refuge under the magnolia branches.

American Goldfinch, at lower left, flying toward feeder as a Dark-eyed Junco watched.

American Goldfinch on magnolia branch.

American Goldfinch in a pensive mood.

Chickadee in Snowstorm

Tags

carolina chickadee, photography, postaday

Last week, heavy and wet snow fell, blanketing everything with a thick white coat while reducing light and visibility. Many birds still came to the feeder in our backyard, especially Dark-eyed Juncos which seemed impervious to the elements. There was one Carolina Chickadee that took a brief time-out under the magnolia branches heavily laden with snow. Here are two versions of the same photo, one in color and the other in black and white.

Carolina Chickadee.

Carolina Chickadee, monochrome version.

Birds in Snowstorm

Tags

dark-eyed junco, european starling, nor'easter, photography, postaday

This week a second Nor’Easter dumped heavy snow in our region, with as much as 2 ft (60 cm) in some areas, but much less in coastal areas. I stocked up the bird feeder and many birds braved snow and wind to come during the storm.

Here are some shots of the birds. It was so dark I had to use the flash.

European Starling.

European Starling.

Dark-eyed Junco.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Out of this World

Tags

great sand dunes national park, postaday, weekly photo challenge

The URL for this challenge is: https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/out-of-this-world/

I took the following photo at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado almost three years ago. Looking at it now, I am struck by the straight line outlining the dune in the middle of the picture. It seems to be drawn not by the wind and other forces of nature but by some unnatural being.

Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Signs of Spring

Tags

amaryllis, crocus, orchid, Phalaenopsis, photography, postaday

I am writing this as a Nor’easter is raging outside, dumping rain and snow, with strong winds added to the misery. Keep safe, all of you who are affected by it!

A few days ago, some brave Crocuses were starting to bloom in the mild weather we experienced for a few days.

White Crocus.

Yellow Crocus.

Inside, the Orchid and Amaryllis are in full bloom, with no bud left that has not opened up yet.

Phalaenopsis Orchid.

Amaryllis Apple Blossom.