We walked between the raindrops. It was misty periodically, then cleared briefly and repeated. Thunder showers were forecasted but we’d decided to go in the misty rain, so as not to miss our walk for the day.
In the marsh, Solitary
and Least Sandpipers
were busy feeding, oblivious to the rain and enthusiasts who stopped at the gazebo. From there we went down to the beach. A flock of shorebirds flew by as we settled on the rocks where we watch the beach. However, activity over the bay soon caught our attention!
A Bald Eagle was fishing, though it didn’t catch anything. Then it flew to a tree just ahead of us.
The young bird perched above the boardwalk and was visible from the beach. We watched from that location for a few minutes, then walked to the area in hope of seeing it up close. The Eagle hadn’t moved.
Before long, a Blue Jay perched in the same tree and in typical Jay fashion, alerted other animals in the area about the visitor.
The Jays provide the alarm system for the animals when a predator is nearby.
As we watched the eagle, eyes fixed high in the tree, people walking along alerted us to a Red Fox on the trail.
We had caught a glimpse of one early this summer and watched every day for one. Now here it was.
It caught a squirrel among the trees and even ate a peanut left for the other animals. It didn’t stay around long when walkers approached. They spoke to us about the fox and watched with interest as a bird swooped in on the eagle. It looked like a young gull but it was an Osprey which the woman identified.
The two were Americans from Philadelphia, a long way from home. It was their last day visiting the island. We spoke about birds and they described Osprey swooping Eagles in Chesapeake Bay just as we had seen here. They were both originally from New York and Philadelphia was home now, near children and grandchildren. People have so much in common when we take the time to stop and listen. They enjoyed the peace and quiet of the island during their stay.
Eventually we continued our walk, turning around a bit earlier than usual. On the way back, the eagle was still in the same spot.
No sign of the fox however.
We arrived home as the heavens opened, glad to have chanced the rain to see the animals and meet other travellers, especially Eagles fans…
30 comments:
Hello Marie,
What a great walk, great photos. You did see lots of beautiful birds and wildlife sightings. The Bald Eagle is awesome, love the cute Fox and the Sandpipers.
Well worth the effort. The eagle shots are amazing. Love the glimpse of that gorgeous fox too.
I also love to see all your great bird pictures. That last eagle shot is impressive! :-)
Magnificant shots of that majestic eagle! And I love the fox's bushy tail,
Great eagle shots! That is a bird that I could watch all day long and never get tired of.
my internet is wonky today; unfortunately, I can’t see you pics. 😞
Perfect timing!!!!
And you had a lovely little excursion, including a nice chat with some visitors.
Can't *believe* your perfect timing!!!!!!!!!!!
💛
Incredible picture of the eagle! It must be nice walking in the rain. Actually, today we had a storm here that lasted half an hour.
A wonderful wildlife post, Marie. I am happy to see the Red Fox. They are urban animals and help to keep rodent populations in check and are delightful animals in every way. Shorebird migration is well underway here too with the potential for new species at any time. All we lack is rain - and that we sorely lack! All the best to both of you - David
Fabulous close ups of the eagle.
What a walk..sometimes misty rain is the best and you got to meet wonderful people and see wonderful critters. Win-Win in my book.
Sue
That eagle is majestic.
WOW! To see an Eagle so close must be a thrill.
First comment vanished, second try. That white spot on the fox's tail is a sure field mark.
Ospreys gang up on bald eagles over cape May too. One of the hawkwatch platform observers from the Bird Observatory told me he'd seen bald eagles get their revenge, mugging an osprey and taking the big fish he'd just caught.
You got some awesome eagle photos. You caught the fierce look that they have.
Your wish came true, a clear sighting of the red fox. How wonderful mixed with the eagle viewing and friendly conversations. I love your eagle closeups!
I believe it was very welcome rain.
A wonderful walk and grand pictures.
What a wonderful walk, and great to see all the different wild life. Glad you managed to do it all without getting soaked with rain!
Amazing photos! What a wonderful place to walk and see all the wildlife.
Most often than not we meet many interesting people. Even locals who we had never seen before.
You made the right decision going for a walk that day.
Just amazing photos! The last pictures is just WOW! What a lovely walk in the rain...
Love from Titti
I real like red fox
Coffee is on and stay safe
You managed to take wonderful photos of the bald eagle... I'm thrilled. Thanks. The fox is great too.
Many greetings to you. We've finally had rain today for a long time, nature breathes a sigh of relief and so do I... I'll go for a walk in the drizzle later :-)))) I'm looking forward to it.
hehehe, "eagles fans" surely they are!! awesome images today, the eagles are always a thrill for me to see!! and seeing the fox, we had a big family on the beach, maybe early spring i think? i was able to get a lot of really good pictures, they made it easy!!
i LOVE blue jays for alerting everyone of prey. they do that here when there is a hawk in my yard!!
i agree...good to get your walk in and just in time!!
Bald Eagles and a red fox all on one walk!! I would consider that quite and exciting day. Occasionally, we see a fox, but no bald eagles. What a treat. I love the little sandpipers- they are really so cute.
Splendid shots - you had both luck, to get so long a chance, and much, much skill.
Wow I love the stories you share from your fascinating walk dear Marie.
How amazing you are are familiar with methods certain birds use in certain conditions!
The rany day images are stunning and intriguing. Eagle shots are fantastic.
I try to take my regular walks under the rain
Great photos! I especially enjoyed seeing the shorebirds, and the Eagle photos are wonderful!
Have a blessed day!
Wow!! Love those eagle and fox shots. What a wonderful day you had walking in the mist and seeing the birds up close. I travel with you, Marie, even though I don't leave my chair inside my house. Thank you so much.
How fun to see the fox! And amazing photos of the eagle!
very majestic those eagles. we have feral foxes around our neighbourhood lately. they go after the chickens that people have. i was amazed that foxes live here! definitely not native.
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