Potpourri

Most of my recent visits to the refuge have been focused on photographing the Tree Swallow nest.  Occasionally I would wander elsewhere in the refuge or grab a few shots as I was coming and going.  Between the holidays, household tasks, and a few visits to that other refuge to the northeast, I haven't had time to post process and post.  So here goes.

Black Ducks swimming in the Lower Impoundment


If you were quiet and got to the refuge early you could get good views of this female wood duck that was hanging out in the lower impoundment, near the river end of the cross dike trail.


The cat tail reeds getting tall make finding Marsh Wrens more challenging...but this guy popped up next to the path



Killdeer love the drained lower impoundment. You often hear them and sometimes see them as they forage in the mud.


I waited patiently for this bird to get closer to me. It got close enough for a few action shots. Unfortunately shortly after this a jogger, thundered by and the Killdeer flew back into the impoundment and the lotus.


Bluet - If it doesn't appear to be a bright turquoise / robins egg blue, then your monitor needs adjustment!


This one stumped my try for a quick ID


Monarch on Milkweed


Cedar Waxwing hanging out by the lower impoundment outflow.


Loved how it pulled its wings back to give us a view of the body


I took this because it reminded me of the fireworks we were going to see that evening


God's version of lace


The reward for walking to the far end of the refuge and checking out the woods.


Common Yellowthroat - I liked this version because the pose mimics the leaf directly below


Blue-gray Gnatcatcher