Wildlife in Photography

Monday evening as the sun hung low in the sky, I took a stroll around Lake Shenandoah in Rockingham County.

Aside from the usual ducks, geese and sparrows, I noticed something odd in the distance and moved in for a closer look. And there it was, a goofy little bird that looked like a cross between a penguin and a blue jay holding an entire fish in its mouth. For several minutes it whipped its head back and tried to devour its meal.

After making a few frames, I attempted to move in closer and the bird got spooked and took off (with its trophy). I have no idea what species that could have been.

As I continued around the perimeter of the lake, I noticed some early signs of spring in the form of insects and minnows. I’m going to miss the gnat and mosquito free days.

After returning to the parking lot, I sat for a minute on the end of the dock and popped one last frame of a duck drifting by.

Unfortunately nothing from this outing stuck out enough to make the cut for the book, but it was still a nice walk. This weekend I should get some park time in, so I’m excited about that. I’ve been missing the mountains.