Wild Delmarva

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

It is seal season on the Delmarva Peninsula now and while we don’t see many seals some do stop on our beaches this time of year. This Harbor Seal may have been injured or just in need of a rest. Suzanne Thurman and the marine mammal rescue folks at MERR Institute are keeping an eye on in case it needs help. Two other seals have been rescued already this year and are getting medical help.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

We’re having another weather event on the Delmarva Peninsula today. Officially in upstate Delaware and Maryland this year has seen the most snowfall on record. Today in Lewes, Delaware it is raining but will likely turn to snow later today. This male and female Northern Cardinal found a comfortable perch fittingly on a snow fence.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming

The toughest part of wildlife photography is usually getting close enough to get dramatic images. But not yesterday when this little Carolina Wren flew inside my car through an open door while I was outside shooting snow photographs. My friend Tony Pratt shot this photograph and we let the little bird go on its way.

Photograph by Tony Pratt

A pair of Northern Pintail take off from one of Delmarva’s wetlands. We had more than a foot of snow this weekend but I’m sick in bed with a fever and chills. So, sadly I missed one of our best snow storms in years.

Photograph by Kevin Fleming