This photo of a Great Blue Heron feeding in still water was taken this morning at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is located in the county just south of the one in which I live. Established in 1933, Blackwater is a nature preserve of 25,000 acres that encompass tidal marshlands, freshwater ponds, and extensive forests.
The refuge is a major wintering area for approximately 35,000 geese and 15,000 ducks that migrate here in the fall and return to their northern habitats in the early spring. During the summer months, the refuge is inhabited primarily by herons, egrets, ospreys, mallards, small water birds, and various songbirds. It is also a sanctuary for several troubled species, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon.
Set forth below are some of the other photos taken at Blackwater this morning, as well as a couple that were taken there a few weeks ago.
Beautiful shots, George (but you knew that already). The first one is especially striking. I'm putting it up as my Windows desktop photo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorenzo. The top shot is also my favorite, and I'm flattered that it will grace your desktop. This shot and the next-to-last shot resonate with me at a philosophical level. There is something in the bird's isolated and graceful stillness that speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a haven for all sorts of amazing creatures. There is so much for us to learn in contemplating their ways of being. How fortunate that this wildlife sanctuary is so accessible to you. I enjoyed each of the photos shared.
ReplyDeleteThe 'Great Blue Heron Feasting' photo has the look of a wonderful painting. I loved all of your photos, but it was especially beautiful!
ReplyDelete...Wanda
Bonnie and Wanda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I get the same feeling as you, Wanda, about the photo of the blue heron feasting. I reminds me of some of the bird paintings from China, where the heron is allegedly a symbol for patience, strength, and purity.
This is another wonderful set of photographs, I especially like the ones of the great blue heron reflected in the water and the one of the bald eagles, they look as though they are a part of the tree - enormous flower or leaf buds about to open. How marvellous to have this place on your doorstep.
ReplyDeleteRowan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your comments. I especially like your observation that the bald eagles look like they are part of the tree -- flower or leaf buds about to open. It's true.