Tundra Swans Flying By

There was quite a bit of photo opportunities with the Tundra Swans also at Blackwater NWR. It is a very large refuge, but most of the photo ops for large groups of birds, either on the ground, in the water or flying are along the Wildlife Drive or Tubman Trail. They frown on stopping on any of the public roads within the Refuge. We sometimes ride through just because you can usually see quite a few Eagle nests from the road. There are many trails, but have limited sky views because of the thick concentration of trees. The refuge includes more than 28,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and loblolly pine forests, managed freshwater wetlands and croplands. There are also a couple of boat launching paved areas off the main roads in the Refuge with views of trees off in the distance that Eagles roost in. If you wait there you might get a few somewhat close flybys, but it usually takes a while. Or if you have really long lenses (800mm with teleconverters) you might get some shots in the trees. At this time of year, if you are lucky or have long lenses, you might see the small group of American White Pelicans flying. Usually they are just in a small group floating in the water fairly far out. Most people probably would not notice them. In the warmer months there are larger numbers.

It is interesting to see the different wing patterns/positions as a small group fly by. If close enough the sound of there wings flapping is really cool!