Blackwater NWR January Birds – Part 1
I recently shared the Bald Eagles, Tundra Swans, and American White Pelicans separately at Blackwater NWR, located in Cambridge, Maryland.
Here’s the first of two parts of the other birds I captured at the refuge last month (January). Since the refuge in the winter is all about the waterfowl and surprise shorebirds that come and go, this part will be those species I saw.
Mallards on a frosty stroll when I arrived
Northern Pintails
Northern Pintail
Northern Pintails
Greater Yellowlegs
Long-billed Dowitchers
Dunlins
Great Black-backed Gull
American Herring Gulls
American Herring Gull with a crab
Part 2 next!
Bay Photos by Donna 
Mallards have always been my favorite ducks.
Mallards are indeed a pretty duck, I loved this pair just strolling along that morning!
Actually, one of my favorite birds, along with hummingbirds of any variety, sparrows, crows and ravens. Being plentiful doesn’t mean, to me, they aren’t valuable. Have a great day.
Very nice series. I think the last two photos are really exceptional
Thank you, David! I always shied away with gulls, but in time, I’ve gotten better at IDing them, their juvenile plumages are all over the place.
Great photos Donna. I especially love the photo of the northern pintails in flight and the last one of the gull with a crab!
Thank you, Sue! As cold as it is, that gull was real lucky with finding that crab! There was a group surrounding him, wanting to take it but he didn’t give in.
Fabulous photos as always Donna
Thank you, Sheree!
You’re very welcome
Beautiful!
Thank you, Pepper!
Loved the Great Black-backed Gull on the clump of earth. And the American Herring Gull with its catch. It looks so cold up there!
Thank you, Barbara! I’m getting into gulls more and more, learning IDing, boy they are hard with all the juvenile plumages! It is cold here, right now my house is shaking in 35 mph continuous winds, a bit scary, praying for the winds to die down.
Excellent sightings, Donna. A bit like a treasure hunt, I imagine!
Thank you, Eliza! Birding is like treasure hunting!!
My favourite image is of the mallards walking on ice but all of the photos are wonderful. Nice sightings.
Thank you, Suzanne! I thought too the Mallards were delightful.
It is good to see the birds/ ducks so comfortable in the cold. The photograph are so special as always.
Thank you, Sandy!
What a beautiful set, Donna! I particularly like the mallards taking a stroll and the herring gull with its prize 👏