The last two mornings I have visited Heinz NWR in Philadelphia. The early signs of Spring were everywhere.
One surprise was the family of very young
Mallard ducklings. Mom got a very early start on the nesting season ...
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| Mallard ducklings - Mom is close behind |
Tree Swallows were abundant over the water and fully engaged in courtship and in staking claim to nesting boxes ...
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| Tree Swallows |
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| Tree Swallow |
A few early Spring migrants were present. Photos ops were provided by a
Pine Warbler and
Eastern Phoebe ...
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| Pine Warbler |
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| Eastern Phoebe |
Carolina Wrens were all along the trails and in full-throated splendor ...
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| Carolina Wren |
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| Carolina Wren |
When the two mornings finally warmed up,
Cabbage Whites flitted over the many wildflowers, and this morning I met a
Box Turtle out for a leisurely stroll ...
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| Cabbage White |
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| Box Turtle |
The best thing about this early Spring birding in Philadelphia is that when I go home to Vermont in a couple of days, I will have early Spring birding all over again!
