Wildlife in Photography

Thursday was beautiful in the Valley, and I visited Lake Shenandoah with a friend. There weren’t a huge amount of images, but I did make a few interesting observations. Read the rest of this entry »

Sunday afternoon I set out for Lake Shenandoah after hearing word that common loons were visiting the area. By the end of the day, I had a few good shots and some really sore muscles.

In the beginning, I walked the perimeter and scanned the lake for signs of a loon (The species of aquatic bird is common in the north, but not in this state). It wasn’t until I had nearly reached the dam on the far end of the lake that I spotted a single loon in the water. Read the rest of this entry »

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week I set off for Lake Shenandoah in Rockingham County to scan for animals and to investigate the full extent of the perimeter paths. I have walked the lake several times before, but usually stop at the dam on the far side. A recent article in the Daily News-Record indicated that the full perimeter of the lake could be walked. Read the rest of this entry »

With Skyline Drive still closed in all three districts on Wednesday due to the snow, I abandoned plans for the park and started scanning alternative options.

First I looked into the possibility of hitting Massanutten Mountain away from the ski area, but didn’t know all of the logistics of that, so I kept thinking. Next I dabbled in the possibility of going to George Washington National Forest, but since I’ve never been there before and the day was getting late, I gave up on that one too.

My last thought was sticking closer to home and going to Lake Shenandoah in Rockingham County. I have to say, it was definitely a good choice. Arriving at the public lake a little after 3:30, I suited up for the sub-freezing temperatures and walked briefly along the shore near the parking lot.

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