Deer and Heron in the Park

We try to drive in to town at least once a week. It’s always a nice ride and provides interesting morning walks in our old neighborhood. On the other days we have the choice of walking around the neighborhood sidewalks or the nearby park. We are always on the look out for any kind of wildlife. We saw a mangy looking fox once, and a sickly looking raccoon - in mid morning. There was something wrong with him as he staggered across the path. We have even come across a dead deer carcass with buzzards flying about. On a recent visit to the park it was beautiful weather. The birds were out and about - although we haven’t seen the hawk as of late but have certainly heard him. Then in front of us was a couple with their dog stopped on the path. At first we didn’t notice, but a deer was hiding in the brush making eye contact with the dog. They said the deer had just given birth so we were very quiet. As soon as the group continued walking on the deer decided it was safe enough to cross the path. She don’t show any signs of exhaustion, but certainly was very pretty to look at. On our way back to the car we crossed the bridge and my husband noticed a heron upstream. We have seen him before too. Unfortunately we can never get close enough for a decent photo. They say it’s always best to take walks in nature rather than the noisy urban jungle. I think I have to agree. I alway feel a bit calmer whenever we finish our walks there compared to the city with all of the traffic and crowds. But in the end it’s nice to have either option. 

Wildlife in the Park

We drive in to town at least once a week for a change of scenery, a morning walk, and usually to find some interesting images for the weekly 52frames photo challenge. Yesterday we went to the Smithsonian American history museum. On the weekends we walk the concrete sidewalks in the neighborhood. This morning we walked in the park that is just a couple of blocks from the house. Depending on the time of day one can come across some sort of wildlife. Over the last few days we have run in to a few - including a very large red headed woodpecker. He was feasting on some rotted wood in a tree that had fallen. A hawk was sitting high in another tree above the stream that runs under the bridge where we cross. Further along the path was a heron that was too far to get a close shot, and he was well protected from every angle. This morning we ran into a deer and a fawn - I think the same pair we saw a couple of weeks back. I saw an outline of it far in to the woods. They were walking parallel along our same path snd we cross crossed three times. Our beautiful Borzoi loved communicating with the deer in our Midwest backyard. I think she thought she was one of them. There is something about wildlife. I could sit snd watch for hours on end. 

Mason Neck State Park - No Eagles Again!

We haven't been there for at least as long as we've had our new Subaru - which is two years. So we ventured out to Mason Neck Park in Lorton, Virginia. We drove by way of Mount Vernon along the GW Parkway. The place boasts eagle sightings, but we have yet to see one there. It doesn't matter what time of the year or time of the day. They simply don't exist. In fact, this trip nothing was in sight - no birds, no wildlife, not even any insects! I think we see more animals in our urban neighborhood - hawks, fox, squirrels! Regardless, we took a walk along the trail. It was quite serene, the perfect temperature, and just long enough. On the way out we saw a bride and groom in the forest having photos taken. Since I was driving home I didn't get a shot of it. We will need to go back out that way in a couple more weeks when the weather gets even crisper and the leaves turn to vibrant reds and oranges - except we will try Pohick Park. Maybe we will have better luck there. It was a great way to spend an afternoon on a lovely day in October - even without the eagle. 

Turkey Bird in Alexandria

Whenever we travel along the George Washington Parkway I am always on the lookout for eagles. We used to see them quite regularly when we first moved here. Recently we were headed to Alexandria and traffic was slightly congested. Without warning the car in front of us slammed on the breaks. Usually I have my phone in hand to snap pictures because you never know what you are going to run in to around here. Unfortunately I did not this time. A huge walking - or should I say running - bird appeared out of nowhere in front of us crossing the very busy street. We weren't sure what it was, so I'm posting a photo by Ahmad Saib of what we thought we saw. There is a lot of wooded area just past Ronald Reagan Airport. There are always ducks and geese flapping about in the rain made puddles. But this thing was nothing like that. We are thinking it was a turkey bird, not a turkey buzzard. She certainly took a big chance, and did make it to the other side. I hope her family appreciated the risk she took! What good are those wings if you can't use them?