In my last post, my photos shared the Canada Geese and ducks at peace, resting on the ice at the causeway at Eastern Neck NWR’s bridge when I arrived early that morning. The temps were in the low 20’s, but who knew! I was too busy happily photographing away at all those ducks.
Suddenly, all those ducks began to chatter. Loud. They were instantly on their feet and standing at alert attention.
I was sure I knew why and looked up. Yep, it was one of the refuge’s kings of the sky. Circling. Looking down at the icy waters full of ducks. 😳
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Bald Eagle
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Bald Eagle
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Nervousness caused some of the Mallards, Northern Pintails, and American Black Ducks to take flight.
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That movement and instinct caused more and more ducks to follow.
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Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Black Duck and Canada Goose in flight
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Soon most all the ducks were in the air, leaving the Canada Geese back to their peace and quiet.
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Only a couple of ducks left!
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The Eagle did a final lap and then resumed it’s flight, heading east.
I don’t know if I was relieved for the ducks, or disappointed as a bird photographer who loves capturing action behavior. (Honestly, both!)
Now, some close-ups of those ducks in flight!
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Mallards, Northern Pintails in flight
Mallards, American Black Ducks and Canada Geese in the water and ice
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A lone pair of Canada Geese got into the flight action.
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Canada Geese pair taking flight with Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Black Duck
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Northern Pintails, Mallards
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I got a surprise when seeing Northern Shovelers suddenly in the mix. Not sure where they were, I don’t see any of them in any my big view photos. They might have been just around the cove corner in the marsh grass.
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Northern Shovelers, American Black Ducks, Mallards
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All the ducks were taking flight east into the winds. They would then bank a left and all head west towards the Chesapeake Bay.
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Mallards
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Northern Pintails
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American Black Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Mallards
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And there they all go, in the big view, out to the Chesapeake Bay!
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I jumped back into my car to warm up and started my adventure further in to the refuge. What other birds did I encounter this visit? Eagles, of course! Stay tuned…..
