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!
Wow, your mom really is early for up north. Love that tree swallow picture. You really caught the color.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of photos Chris. It's nice to see some clear shots of those tree swallow taking a rest, as well as that mallard flotilla. Very cool. Happy spring.
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