Event Details
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge is a 23.000-acre National Wildlife Reserve located just 12 miles South of Cambridge, Md and is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Washington, DC. Blackwater NWR was originally established to attract and support the migrating waterfowl along the Atlantic Flyway. It is primarily a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. Geese can number 35,000 and ducks exceed 15,000 during peak migration, usually November and December.
Blackwater is quickly becoming "The Place" to photograph Bald Eagles. So don't miss this one.
The Refuge is rich with nature trails, observation towers, and a 6.5 mile auto-tour route. This auto-tour route makes it easy to just stop, get out of your car and set up your camera gear. The photo opportunities are endless. Throughout the day (especially on these cold sunny fall days) and through sunset the golden marsh grass and the deep blue waters make a beautiful backdrop for these migrating birds.
There are numerous species of migratory birds that can be seen during the time of our trip which include: bald eagle, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, green backed heron, glossy ibis, various sandpipers, red-tailed and northern harrier hawks, snow geese, Canadian geese, wood duck, American black duck and other wintering ducks just to name a few.
To watch thousands of Canada geese fly at sunset is a spectacular site, not to mention the sounds.
Dress warmly, in layers, as we can never predict the weather. December can be pretty cold but being right at our cars we can always get warm. Be sure to bring a hat and gloves, even some of those hand warmers that last for several hours (can be purchased at sporting goods stores). They come in handy on those really cold fall days.
You may also want to bring snacks and a warm beverage in a thermos. There are restaurants in the area that we will drive to for lunch and there are restrooms at the visitor's center when you enter the refuge.
This is one of the most spectacular of our field trips and I am sure you will have a great time!
A great photography opportunity to increase your portfolio.
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