Savannah Nat Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Drive

[mrsisu]

Well our regional trip to Bear Islands Mary's House Pond was modified as the Tundra Swans not in the pond. While some may be around they are not in Mary's pond which is something the DNR folks have noticed as well - very unusual. Of course it was also 61F at 6:30 AM!! Soooo we met at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and it was a productive morning. Here is one of my images and hope other attendees will post a shot as well for all to see. This Loggerhead Shrike was particularly accommodating and didn't mind being photographed from the car. The outing was a blast and so nice seeing every one.

[sparkl]

Beautiful Loggerhead Shrike!

[sparkl]

The sunrise was awesome this morning.

[jwuori]

Surprise, Surprise look what was on this post at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge this morning.

[sparkl]

Beautiful Red-shouldered hawk. I love the detail.

[sparkl]

Don,
Let us know if and when the Tundra Swans show up at Mary's House Pond. Would love to try again.
But, this trip to Savannah NWR was awesome. Kathryn spotted a Bald Eagle perched in a nearby tree on the last mile of the autotour. I had my handy scope ready. Thanks Kathryn.

[ropawi]

Don,
Let us know if and when the Tundra Swans show up at Mary's House Pond. Would love to try again.
But, this trip to Savannah NWR was awesome. Kathryn spotted a Bald Eagle perched in a nearby tree on the last mile of the autotour. I had my handy scope ready. Thanks Kathryn. Great capture. I saw that guy but he was too far away.

[ropawi]

It was a great morning at Savannah NWR. You guys have posted some great photos.

[sparkl]

dang, Paul, what a great action shot!! I told my friends in the car with me that you were going to get a fantastic Snowy Egret image.

[mrsisu]

Neat shot indeed. love the action. Here is my attempt at a decent landscape. Do hope the swans surface but who knows!

[ccalder]

Great outing! Had lots of fun! Great group of folks!

[sparkl]

nice!! I couldn't get close to a Little Blue heron.

[sparkl]

I did manage to get close (well, with my scope) to a Pied-billed Grebe

[ccalder]

Didn't get a sunrise I was happy with...I did get this one I liked!

[mrsisu]

love Grebe and the light was certainly right for the landscape Charlie

[ccalder]

Boy oh boy!!! I think everyone have GREAT shots. The Loggerhead, Hawk, sunrise, and Eagle shots were just great! Paul your shot of Egrets were great also!

[knewsom]

This glossy ibis was stirring up breakfast - using his/her feet to stir up the water and then eating something that he/she stirred up. I think this is the first time I've seen a glossy ibis. Isn't it beautiful?

[knewsom]

Looking at these photos makes me want to go back. What a wonderful day! A sunrise that we hadn't expected to photograph b/c of weather reports indicating an overcast morning and then the variety of birds that we found, combined with people that we like who enjoy the same things we enjoy - what could be better than that?

[sparkl]

Beautiful Glossy Ibis. Yes, we have to go back. We have to see them in their breeding plumage. It was a wonderful trip.

[sparkl]

This was right after the sun came up. I like early morning light....with coffee.:D

[mrsisu]

There were lots of opportunities on our Jan. 21st outing, and think everybody got some good shots. I went back to the Savannah NWR a few days later with some friends from GNPA and just for the heck of it tried Mary's House Pond one morning with lots of fog + just a poor weather day. BUT the Tundra swans were in!!! (Probably about 50? ) Yea. Went back again and got these two landing. So think worthwhile to try Mary's pond again. Hope the swans hang around for a while and are on the pond consistently.