Egret Convention at Heinz NWR

I was stunned on my recent visit to Heinz NWR in Philadelphia by the number of egrets (mostly Great, also Snowy) in the empoundment (along with many Great Blue Heron). Impressive and picturesque.

Egret Convention - I count 35+, a small portion of the gathering.

25+ egrets in this photo, plus at least 3 Great Blue Herons

 Still early August, but the signs that summer is nearly over were seen everywhere: recently fledged Barn Swallows, young Marsh Wren foraging for itself, Red-winged Blackbird feeding a fledgling, and a vangard flock of Semi-palmated Sandpipers.

Barn Swallows

Marsh Wren

Red-winged Blackbird with fledgling

Semi-palmated Sandpipers

 Although I could not find them, cicadas were singing loudly in the trees. Along the pathway, Cicada Killer Wasps were also active. 

Cicada Killer Wasp

Boardwalk at Heinz NWR

Good Birding!

Cicada, Cicada Killer Wasp, et al

The dominant experience at Heinz NWR a few days ago was the roar of the annual cicadas (not to be confused with the periodical cicadas which emerged earlier this year on their 17 year cycle) ...
 

An Annual Cicada

With the cicada making their noise from trees everywhere, we also encountered the Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus) - one of the largest wasps anywhere. They were busy around the holes which they excavated, often disappearing inside. While their size makes them scary, everything I have read says that they are perfectly harmless to everything except cicada ... 

Cicada Killer Wasp

Cicada Killer Wasp

In Vermont, this summer has been a banner year for the Hummingbird Moth. They also seem very common at locations around Philadelphia ...

Hummingbird Moth

It seems odd, but I have seen more Praying Mantis in the shrubbery around our condo's pool than I think I have seen anywhere else ...

Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis