The ospreys have returned to Ocean County, NJ. These, at Island Beach State Park, were in the process off reinforcing their nests. I watched them return several times with building materials. In between they had some fish and the honeymoon continued.
The famous female “Bay”.
“Bandit”, the male.
Just some of the daily visitors out back taken over the last few months. Finally, the next post and I will be current … yay!
Finally I had the chance to see and photograph a Snowy Owl. I had just about given up on finding one this season. After traveling hundreds of miles in search of the Snowy, one appeared a few miles from my home at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey. After observing it for two days, it was gone. Probably starting it’s long journey back to the arctic. The light was pretty harsh when I took these photos, but always a thrill to see one of these magnificent raptors. Have a safe trip back my friend.
I headed to Cape May on this day in February in search of a Snowy Owl. One had been reported the day before and I was hoping to finally see one this year. Well, like many of my previous attempts this year, I came up empty. But it was one beautiful, warm day for February and I had the chance to see a gorgeous sunset. My quest to photograph a Snowy this year continues.
I discovered a new place and I love it. Mercer Meadows located in Lawrence Township, NJ. I went there trying to photograph the Short Eared Owls, but they came out when it was almost dark and at a distance too difficult for me to photograph. While I was waiting for the owls to appear at the Pole Farm area, the Northern Harriers were much more cooperative. This was a first for me and I was pretty excited. Several made passes quite close while hunting for food. It’s great to watch them hover over their potential prey. These images were taken over four separate visits.
There is a pair of Peregrine Falcons that live on the cliffs of the Palisades high above the Hudson River in New Jersey. The Peregrine is the fastest animal in the world, achieving speeds over 200 mph on their hunting dives called “stoops”. I watched them dive bomb a bald eagle that was just cruising up the Hudson. Later in the day, the same attack on a young red-tailed hawk. They constantly defend their territory. It’s amazing to see them fly at such high speeds. These images are a compilation of three visits.
Beginning the “stoop”.
The young red-tailed hawk, exhausted after the battle.
I made my annual trek down to the Conowingo Dam in Maryland. This time of year, hundreds of Bald Eagles congregate along the Susquehanna River. Always a thrill to see the Bald Eagles dive for fish. The usual scenario … one eagle catches the fish, several eagles try to steal it. It’s always entertaining.
I made a quick trip to Pennsylvania to check out the wood ducks in the Fall. I’m going to post rapid fire the next few weeks, trying to get into the current year (lol).
Kingfisher
Our time at Acadia for 2016 comes to an end. This was the first year we stayed for an extended period of time. First time we experienced Fall in the park. A few of these images were taken during our last hike through Acadia. Always sad to leave, but great to see our family and friends in New Jersey again.
Jordan Pond is beautiful in Autumn.
Somesville Bridge
Sharon during our last walk in Acadia.
Jesus Path
Margaret Todd
This year we were fortunate to experience the Fall on Mount Desert Island and in Acadia National Park in Maine. These images are from Northeast Creek, just across the street from our condo in Bar Harbor. It was wonderful watching the colors change each day. We even kayaked deep along the stream to see all the incredible colors. There is a also a cranberry bog about a mile downstream. This is just one of the many gorgeous places in the park during autumn.
Sharon during a peaceful moment.
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