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

There were 3 bald eagles at Yates Mill Nature Preserve today.  It is rare to see a single bald eagle over the Mill Pond.  Today I was blessed to see 3.  The first 2 photos are of the adults.  The 3rd photo is of the adults chasing each other – sorry the photo is not better – but they quickly chased each other out of the reach of my lens.  The 4th photo is of the 3 year old immature bald eagle.  He/she was very interested in the action between the adults.  Just like the teenager he is.  He will have to make it through 2 more years before he is ready to find a mate of his own.

WALK2114 2nd adult eagle Yates Mill 2014

WALK2111 1st adult eagle Yates Mill 2014

WALK2120 pr adult eagles Yates Mill 2014

WALK2132 3 yo eagle Yates Mill 2014