Hello Everyone!
Today brought back reminders of my first, paying, part time job. I was 14-15
years old and a couple of my older coworkers said I had two work
speeds...........Slow and Stop! Photo wise, the birds and other wildlife were
like those first work days of mine.
Like Robert Ake, when I turned onto Jerico Ditch Lane it was still drizzling
but soon stopped. I saw a vehicle ahead of me but did not get close enough for
a greeting. I traveled about three quarters of the way to the parking area
before turning around and heading out. With the overcast sky and tall tree
canopies, I had very little light to try for photos so opted for Railroad
Ditch. When I made the turn into the entrance, I let out a silent YES as I was
greeted by two Pileated Woodpeckers chasing each other around the Pine trees.
Well the YES quickly turned to NO as I could hear birds deep in the trees but
had very few showing. I traveled the route twice and saw a Male Wood Duck,
Greater Yellowlegs, Common Grackle, Tree Swallow, Turkey Vulture. Almost
missed one....A Wild Turkey. I saw two flights of Tundra Swans heading
Northwest. I was surprised at not finding a Red-Tailed Hawk working the old
burn area.
I departed Dismal Swamp and paid a visit to the marsh at the intersection of
Route 10 and Flowerdew Hundred just East of Hopewell. Basically slow here as
well. But did have a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher zoom by me and disappear in the
marsh. I also had a Female Belted Kingfisher pay me a visit and saw a
Red-Headed Woodpecker, several Turkey Vultures and one Red-Tailed Hawk in
flight.
I also paid a short visit to Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery off Route 5
in Charles City County. There were approximately 100 Tree Swallows buzzing the
lake surface.
I then headed home a little after 4 P.M. I pulled out of my driveway, this
morning, at about 5:05 A.M. Total images 3, I hope! And still had a great
day!
Hopefully photos at a later date.
Best birding!
Les BrooksGlen Allenhttp://www.natures-finest-photography.com
