This past Wednesday I drove through Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna, DE after not seeing it for the past six years. Unexpectedly I saw for the first time a very colorful Blue Grosbeak. It was part of a small flock and only the male shown below stopped long enough on the ground to pose for photos.
The refuge had many hibiscus flowers around its various pools.
Blue Chicory flowers lined up the bank of a pool and stood out against the sunlight.
American Avocets shared the waters with Snowy Egrets.
Robert J Jr. said:
The National Wildlife Refuge has so much to capture Hien!
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Julie@frogpondfarm said:
That blue bird is a beauty and those blooms are divine!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Julie!
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Dalo 2013 said:
Back when I was young, I saw an Evening Grosbeak for the first time and since then it remains one of the most beautiful birds I’ve seen. Congratulations on spotting the Blue Grosbeak, very cool. Also, the Hibiscus flower photos are excellent.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Randall! I don’t often see grossbeaks, only once every few years. This Blue Grosbeak landed on the road just in front of my car. I tried to get out of the car to take a few shots, but it quickly flew away.
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RV John said:
Graduations on spotting the Blue Grosbeak, you got some good images of it another with your other great images.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, John! So far I have seen a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and this Blue one.
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Liz Gauffreau said:
Beautiful images, Hien! I’d love to see them in person.
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neihtn2012 said:
Liz, the Blue Grosbeak keeps itself to the lower states. I have yet to see it in New Jersey, even though it is supposed to be around.
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Liz Gauffreau said:
Thank you for the additional information, Hien.
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robertawrites235681907 said:
You got some amazing pictures.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Roberta! I also missed quite a few shots. Will do better next time.
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robertawrites235681907 said:
It’s not easy to photograph birds and wildlife.
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lisaonthebeach said:
Beautiful! I especially love the hibiscus photo!
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neihtn2012 said:
Great, and thank you!
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DeWetsWild said:
The grosbeak male knows how to put on a show!
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neihtn2012 said:
I think he was ruling a flock of females. Notice how he kept an eyes on me while tending to his mates.
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Book Club Mom said:
That’s a beautiful bird, Hien! I’ve never seen one 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
This was the first time I saw a Blue Grosbeak!
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Eliza Waters said:
Beautiful captures, Hien. That male grosbeak is one handsome dude!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks, Eliza. That Blue Grosbeak made my day!
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Cee Neuner said:
Oh how very beautiful 😀 😀
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Cee!
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photobyjohnbo said:
A worthy place to visit, and your photos do it justice!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks, John! You are right, Bombay Hook is a good place for wild life photography. I even saw a Red Fox but did not get any good shot of it.
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katelon said:
What beautiful finds! Thanks for the lovely photos Hien.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Katelon! I was in a hurry and messed up a few shots.
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katelon said:
They looked good to me 😀
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neihtn2012 said:
That’s because I got rid of them on my computer. 😉
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Beautiful photos, Hien! ❤
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Tim! This is another refuge that I like to go to, even if it is more than 80 miles from home.
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Jim Streeter said:
Wonderful place for photos. Thanks for sharing
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you, Jim! If only Bombay Hook were closer to my home.
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Tra Italia e Finlandia said:
The Avocets are top of my preferences. 👍😊
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neihtn2012 said:
There were quite a few of them, in two pools. Your would have been pleased!
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blondie63 said:
The blue grosbeak is so pretty! The snowy egret cracks me up looking all fluffy feathered
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neihtn2012 said:
This was the first time I saw a Blue Grosbeak. It lives up to its reputation as a beautiful, flashy bird.
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