The Hawk and Mouse, Eagle and Swans

I took a few hours this sunny afternoon and went wandering along the beach of the Patuxent River.  It's one of my favorite places to walk, beach comb and take photos.  Today was a little different in that I took an empty Target bad and a pair of disposable gloves.  Why you may ask?

The beach is inevitably littered, and I usually walk on by.  Just like most everyone else.  Today I made a small dent in clearing the beach.  I didn't take the time to photograph my finds, but perhaps I will the next time around.  The discoveries were both unusual, common, expected and unanticipated. The typical included many bottle caps in a variety of colors, most from either water or soda bottles.  There was larger one as well like you might find on a large OJ bottle.  Speaking of bottles, I was surprised to only find a few.  There were several foam containers a couple for coffee and one for holding a hotdog.  Three lost balloons with their short sections of colorful ribbon were among the finds.  Of course many wrappers and snack sized bags - UTZ and Roll Gold.  There were quite a few small pieces of foam, a rag like you might have to dry off your car (micro fiber), and the plastic brim of a base ball cap (the cloth covering was gone.)  Oh, and I almost forgot the three spent shotgun shells.  I was only on the beach maybe 30 minutes and filled the Target bag to overflowing.  I thought I would feel good about it all, but for the most part it was just sad.

Tundra Swans - "Why are you all trying to hide from me?"

From the beach I went around the corner to Goose Creek and watched the Tundra Swans and couple Bufflehead sea ducks.  I sat on the sand for quite a while trying to get a few photos and just taking in the scene.  It was just beautiful sitting there in the nice breeze, 56F and sunny.  All of a sudden I noticed a larger bird fly by.  It was a Bald Eagle, it flew around a bit, and then came to rest on a tree probably 400 yards away.  He stayed there for just a little while and took to the air and parts unknown.  I'm always thrilled to see the Bald Eagles even though the sightings are no longer as rare as just a few years ago.  I eventually felt it was time to go and started the drive home.

The best find came next.  A hawk was perched on a power line looking down on a grassy area.  I couldn't stop in time to watch, so I went up a short distance and turned around.  I rolled down the passenger window to watch.  No sooner had I done that and he dove for the ground, wings folded and in attack mode.  I waited and watched and caught him while flying up.  The photo wasn't great, but with some post processing adjustments I think it shows a mouse being held in his claw!  I was fairly certain he had something!  He landed in one tree and then moved to another.  Again I moved the car and this time the sun was shining on him rather than being behind.  Now I had a chance to get a decent shot.  And I was fortunate this time.  Based on a little research, it turns out he's a Red Shouldered Hawk.  So gorgeous.

That really made the day, but to add to the sights, there was a Little Blue Heron wading in a water -run off catch basin just a quarter mile further up the road.  No real good shots of him either since there were quite a few branches along the water front.

An excellent afternoon, filled with such a great array of wildlife.  I was so blessed by it all.  Feeling very lucky to witness it unfold.

Look close, mouse in talon!

Red Shouldered Hawk