Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

When I researched bald eagle locations near my home, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge emerged as a candidate. But it's on Maryland's Eastern Shore, close in distance, long in driving time because to get there requires crossing the Chesapeake Bay. I never made the time to go there because other, closer places seemed more interesting. Yesterday I was on the Delmarva Peninsula fetching my son from camp, so I stopped at the refuge because it was only a short diversion.

I drove the Wildlife Drive, and almost immediately saw this bird.

Juvenile Bald Eagle

Hurricane Arthur passed through the area the night before. The wind was very strong and it was pushing the bird around on the branch. He/she looked at me as I photographed it from the car.

Juvenile Bald Eagle

I drove on. There are several osprey nesting platforms within sight of the road. I like these because they're short; it's easy to sea into the nests. A couple of the nests were occupied.

Osprey Parent with Nestlings

This nest had at least three juveniles, along with the parent. I've read that the typical clutch is two or three, so I guess this was a full house.

I had one event where an eagle was hovering in the stiff wind right next to the car, but I was too slow getting the camera ready and missed that opportunity.

In conclusion, there were lots of ospreys, a few eagle sightings (all juveniles), and lots of dead fish with vultures feeding on them. I presume the fish were killed and washed up by the storm. If the refuge was closer, I might visit again, but I'm not making a special trip; it's not that good.