Leave Nothing But Footprints – #2 10,000 Islands NWR
This is my contribution for Heaven’s Sunshine’s weekly challenge, “One Step At A Time”.
So come along and hike down this trail with me, one step at a time!
Marsh Trail, 10,000 Islands NWR, Naples, Florida
You just never know what you might see from an observation tower….
Sometimes not a bird one.
And then sometimes….. 😲
This day instantly became one of my best hiking days ever!
Much more of my visit from 2021 here.
Take a hike, short or long, one step at a time.
Mother Nature promises to reward you.
And please remember~~
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time.
Bald Eagles Perched
Since I’m on an eagle roll, here’s more favorite winter photos of Bald Eagles, this time perched. 😊 Something about a nest at the end? (hint hint)
☆♡꧁🦅꧂♡☆
Bald Eagles in Flight
I had so many awesome opportunities with Bald Eagles in flight this winter, here are a few more from my favorites file to share.
When in flight, Bald Eagles are clearly on a mission.
“Playful Chase”
“Fish Dinner”
“Well, what’s left of it”
Oh, to soar like an Eagle….
Impressive wingspan of 80.3 inches/6.5 feet (204 cm)
1-2-3 Medium Bird Jubilee – #27
Other than single-specie showcasing, I realized it’s been a while on sharing a series of favorite captures of my winter medium-sized birds.
Well, that folder is busting with a variety of single faves, so let’s get the party started with this seven!
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Hermit Thrush
Mourning Dove
Northern Mockingbird
Cedar Waxwing
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Leave Nothing But Footprints – #1 Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
I will be participating in Pepper’s Heaven’s Sunshine new “One Step at a Time” weekly challenge, to share a photo(s) of one of my trails I’ve hiked. I plan to end each post with a bonus wildlife captured along that trail.
So come along and hike down this trail with me, one step at a time!
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick, Maryland
Boardwalk Trail, 0.4 miles swamp loop
Northern Cardinal (male)
Take a hike, short or long, one step at a time.
Mother Nature promises to reward you.
And please remember~~
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time.
Gray Catbird
A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasant surprise to see my first Gray Catbird back this year in my backyard.
My catbird pair has loved the woods bordering the marsh and would kindly let me see them briefly, even for a shot maybe, before disappearing yet again. I enjoyed those very quick meet-ups!
This day was no exception, but I do think he hung juuuust a little longer to say “Hi” and let me know he was back! 😉
Now if only he’d jump to another branch in the sunlight before disappearing on me….
Ahhhh, there we go!
Singing Carolina Chickadee
This adorable Carolina Chickadee is happily singing his little heart out on a branch above my empty bluebird nest box he had just investigated both inside and out. He was telling his gal it looked good to him for a home!
He and his gal did not get a chance at the nest box though; I have a pair of Eastern Bluebirds keeping their eye on it.
Although I adore my chickadees, I’m rooting for another season with bluebirds!
1-2-3 Cute As Can Be – #40
Here’s another add to my series of little birds, who cannot help but be cute!
These seven birds are my backyard winter sparrows, all who are year-round residents except two, the White-throated Sparrow and the Dark-eyed Junco, both leaving me late April.
White-throated Sparrow
(leaves late April to head home to Canada)
Dark-eyed Junco
(leaves late April to head home to Canada)
And these next five are here year-round for me to enjoy.
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
House Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Wading Birds #5 – Great Blue Heron
Soon, our herons and egrets will be returning from migration. As I await their arrival, I’ll share a few more winter photos of our Great Blue Heron who is a year-round resident……followed by a cute cartoon!
Tucked in the Cold Drizzling Rain
Struttin’ Away
A Bit of Wind
High Flying
Beautiful Blue
Close-up
High Perching
☆♡꧁❤️꧂♡☆
1-2-3 Birds & Berries – #17
These five species have been enjoying more of this winter’s berry bounty in my backyard. I’m so glad they gave me a chance to click!
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Tufted Titmouse
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Bay Photos by Donna 