WALK2196 swan dawn flight 2014

directly over my head the tundra swan flew, gilded in the dawn light

WALK2267 bufflehead female flight2014

Here is one Nike swoop that can really soar – and no special sneakers involved for this female bufflehead duck.

WALK2408 tundra swan pair 2014

If for no other reason, one goes to Mattamuskeet Refuge in the late fall through winter to see the tundra swans.

These birds have flown from the far north tundra to over winter here in North Carolina.

WALK2273 black-crowned night-heron 2014

I photographed this bird at 07:28 AM – late for a black-crowned night-heron to still be awake as they hunt from twilight through the night.

WALK2460 ibis 2014

white ibis: startling with its pink legs, feet and bill and white body against the deep blue sky

WALK2459 ruddy duck reflection 2014

you know, Creator, I love to smile for you, even though I am just a happy little ruddy duck smiling at her reflection