Wild Delmarva

Snow Geese are usually white but with Delmarva’s fields covered with snow for weeks they have had to forage in muddy wetlands for food. So now it is not unusual to find Snow Geese looking like they need a bath.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

I’ve never heard anyone claim the Turkey Vulture is our most beautiful, handsome or regal bird. But watching this beautiful flyer soar seemingly effortlessly over the Delmarva Peninsula is another thing. Our skies have more than the normal amount of Turkey and Black Vultures now as they are migrating through here.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

A male Northern Cardinal struggles to hold onto a branch during the snowstorm this morning. Gale-force wind gusts made life outside difficult today.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

With a dark week of rain, clouds and now snow it has been tough photographing wildlife on the Delmarva Peninsula. But last Sunday morning I was able to get to get very close to five Bald Eagles along a Sussex County stream. Here’s a close-up from that morning.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

Weeks of snow covering Delmarva’s fields have made this a tough winter for Snow Geese here on the peninsula. The large flocks that were here a month ago seem to have moved on leaving smaller flocks to forage for what they can find to eat. More snow in the forecast for today and tomorrow will only add to their problems.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

A Bald Eagle concentrates on its take off over a creek. Five eagles were working a Delmarva creek and they were swooping down from trees trying to catch fish.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

Growing up in Delaware (way back in the 1960s) it was very special to see even one Bald Eagle. Agricultural use of the pesticide DDT had all but wiped out the population. But, at last count, Delaware had 120 Bald Eagles and this morning I had five of them right in front of me. This pair was very comfortable being photographed up close and personal.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

A Tundra Swan comes in for a landing behind a Mute Swan today near sunset.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

A Turkey Vulture takes off this morning just after sunrise. With so much snow covering Delmarva photographing wildlife here has been a challenge.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

A Great Blue Heron takes flight with a freshly caught White Perch.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming