Yesterday morning, the wife and I got up at 6:30 and made our way down to Delaware to see this amazing 15,000 acre playground. When we arrived at 8:15, the temperature was a balmy 35 degrees. We had dressed accordingly and were rewarded by the beauty and solitude of this amazing place. Although many of the water birds had finished their wintering over, it was still a joy to make the 1 1/2 hour drive, which we plan to repeat. In terms of the pictures, the warbler was the first creature to greet us at the top of the first observation tower. As we were heading out, we saw a crowd of about 20 or so photographers with lenses pointing into a thicket. There was a mother fox and two kits cavorting near their hole. The kits were playing with a rabbit she had caught, but I couldn't get in position to catch that. All-in-all, I am happy with the performance of the lens handheld. I also got my first decent birds in flight shot. SO happy! And the anomaly is a one legged goose we saw out on a spit of land. Terrible shot, because of the distance and the shimmering of heat off the water, but I include it because of interest. If you are in the area, and like natural surroundings, this place is a must! Please enjoy the downloads.
angler wrote:
Great set Bernie.
Thanks very much, Jim. I always appreciate you stopping by!
This is a great series, Bernie. I can share the excitement you felt. When we go to our favorite wildlife refuge, it is always a thrill. You were lucky to encounter so many willing subjects. The foxes are cute as can be!
Cwilson341 wrote:
This is a great series, Bernie. I can share the excitement you felt. When we go to our favorite wildlife refuge, it is always a thrill. You were lucky to encounter so many willing subjects. The foxes are cute as can be!
Hi Carol! Thanks so much for the always-positive feedback. It was truly remarkable experience. My family will tell you that I rarely get up that early for anything, but it was worth it! Thanks for dropping by!
Sylvias
Loc: North Yorkshire England
Excellent series and variety Bernie certainly worth the early morning start. Love the cute fox cub.
Sylvias wrote:
Excellent series and variety Bernie certainly worth the early morning start. Love the cute fox cub.
I am glad you like the evidence of our fabulous trip, Sylvia. I regret not muscling my way past the row of photographers who were blocking my direct view of the kits bounding and chasing each other, to get shots that were not framed by fallen logs etc. Oh well: maybe next time:)
Bernie, Looks like you had a great day at one of my favorite haunts. It's a shame to hear about people crowding around the fox kits. If everyone would just step back they would all do better. If it gets too bad the rangers will block off the area.
That swan looks like it's flirting with you. I like the Pintail Duck flight shot. As for the Warbler, it is his job to great first time visitors, so I'm glad he rewarded your visit with that nice pose.
The crocus are a hint that spring is coming. Once it gets here wildflowers will abound throughout.
When the weather gets really warm mosquitos get unbearable, so come back soon.
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You had a great day Bernie ! .....the Foxes a real treat - thanks for sharing
donrosshill wrote:
I like your desire to get out and shoot images. I ... (
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Thanks for your encouragement, Don! I completely understand hiding in Fla. My wife is trying to get me to Wakodahatchee. Can't wait.
imagemeister wrote:
You had a great day Bernie ! .....the Foxes a real treat - thanks for sharing
Hi Larry and thanks so much for your positive comment! I didn't suit up with the body pod because I wasn't sure what the shooting circumstances would be. It certainly doesn't hurt to have more tools in the belt than is needed, tho'.
Einreb92 wrote:
Hi Larry and thanks so much for your positive comment! I didn't suit up with the body pod because I wasn't sure what the shooting circumstances would be. It certainly doesn't hurt to have more tools in the belt than is needed, tho'.
Remember the Boy Scout motto - Be Prepared ! 8-)
Beautiful set. I was there last Autumn without my camera, I won't make that mistake again. I'm hoping to go back next month if it ever stops snowing. Thanks for sharing your photos.
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