Vacation 2018 (Part One)

After a cold winter in Connecticut, we decided to give spring a little push.  We headed southward to the Delmarva Peninsula, where it was only slightly warmer, but we were happy with not having to wear winter coats!  Our first stop was Bombay Hook NWR in Delaware. We spent several days there enjoying the sights and sounds of the wildlife in the refuge. 

We arrived in the late afternoon and were met with a picturesque landscape. It's such a wonderful little corner of paradise. We spotted a great variety of birds, saw turtles sunning themselves on rocks, rabbits munching on grass, Delmarva Fox Squirrels nibbling on twigs, and foxes running along the trails. We enjoyed watching Bald Eagles soar and the graceful dances of Egrets and Herons as they fished in the water. The bird songs were spectacular; the woods were alive with their sounds. 

We saw hundreds of Northern Shovelers. It was a challenge to find one that didn't have its head in the water "shoveling." 

Black-necked Stilt - one of my favorite birds. They look so delicate and graceful, and are amusing to watch as they twist around and race through the water. 

We saw numerous Tree Swallows

Great Egret

Bald Eagle

A lone Coot seemed to claim this quiet little backwater area for itself

Great Blue Heron

Then the sun went down after this long day of travel and exploring the surroundings

To be continued...