Vacation 2018 (Part Five)

We awoke the next morning, enjoyed some breakfast, and off we went to begin the day.  We were happy to be back in this beautiful place that draws us back again and again. As we entered the park, we were met with what is now familiar scenery that has begun to feel like returning home.

What a pleasure to see a few of the ponies first thing in the morning.

They all looked healthy and beautiful

Nearby, Great Egrets were fishing in a canal

Farther down the road, as the landscape opens up, we spotted some Black Skimmers. They are unusual looking birds, aren't they?

A Snowy Egret, showing off its lovely plumage, took some time for a good long scratch and some preening.

I barely caught a glimpse of these Sika Elk crossing the water.  I almost missed seeing them! 

Moving on, I saw this Great Blue Heron

After feeling somewhat disappointed about barely catching a glimpse of the Sika earlier, it seems I needn't have worried. We were treated to this sighting of more of them, and this time, much closer. Right near the road, they were an easy capture and my shutter finger got some good exercise.

These deer are smaller than the White Tailed Deer that we see in New England

Adorable little critters!

We were pleased to see them again. We have missed seeing them the last couple of times we've visited, so this was a treat for us.  If you'd like to know more about them, here is a link that you might find interesting:  http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/SikaDeer.aspx

To be continued...