The
American White Pelicans continue to captivate me when I stop to visit
Hendrickson Marsh.
I have witnessed the single file skimming of the water surface to move as a flock from one place to another.
They are extremely graceful in motion... a very beautiful sight.
The big birds have found a comfortable environment - one of the last groups to arrive seems to be lingering as they build-up reserves to move further north.
Pulling into one of the four parking areas around the Marsh I spotted an Eagle flying at tree top level.
I tried to get the camera to focus ,but the noble bird's tail feathers disappeared from view before I could get a shot.
In my usual fashion I went to two more of the parking areas. It wasn't until I almost reached the last one that I caught the
Eagle sitting on a Muskrat den. My aim didn't seem to be steady for a clear picture, but I am sure you are able to catch the image.
There are two pools for the Marsh,divided by a gravel road, sometimes bird species differ from side to side.
On this last visit I was fortunate enough to see a pair of
Great Egrets doing a little feeding with a few other migrating water birds still taking advantage of a revitalized habitat.
This Egret was in motion when I stopped to survey what was next for a picture model.
The day couldn't decide between sun and clouds - at the time of my visit the clouds were more dominant.
I spent a little while watching this
Mallard couple.They would end up with head totally submerged, feeding on the marsh bottom - feet and tail bobbing above the water's surface.
The colors of the ducks and geese seem to be quite outstanding. A reminder to me of the season of Spring when everything seems to takes on a brand new vibrant appearance...
As I sat watching the activity around the area I saw a heavy bodied, black waterfowl take to flight occasionally.
Then I narrowed in on some groups of these birds sitting low in the water.
My search led me to the
Double-crested Cormorant to classify what I was seeing.
In summary of my Marsh Moments it seems we are still seeing the Spring migration, but the number of birds are most definitely dwindling in number.
I know the time will fly-by swiftly until the southern return begins in late July or August for some of the species spoken of in this post. Another opportunity to share my Marsh Moments views with you on the Fall migration...
Have a great day!
