Despite the light rain that was falling, I decided to go on a photo walk yesterday morning at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the smaller birds seemed to have taken shelter in the trees, but I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of a couple of raptors that were perched prominently in the open. It was an interesting contrast to spot an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), one of the smallest raptors in our area, and a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), one of the largest.
The sky was really overcast, so there was not enough light to reveal all of the wonderful detail of these powerful birds. Still, it was nice to be able to capture some images of birds.
Before too long the number of insects will start to diminish and my blog will become increasingly populated by birds. I figure that for another month or so, though, insects will continue to be featured most often, which is good news for some viewers and bad news for others.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Insects, birds, the occasional deer and beaver – it’s all great stuff, Mike – I’ll keep coming by.
Thanks for your support and encouragement, Dan.
I read that approx. 4.5 Billion birds migrate across the US in the fall, many of which I imagine fly by you. Lots to see!
I am fortunate enough to be in a location like Northern Virginia where we can catch birds going north in the spring and south in the fall. Some of them overwinter in our area.
I was just going to write you are so fortunate to see eagles regularly! TOo the words righ tout of my fingertips! LOL
Nice to see the contrast in sizes. Love the eagle shot Mike. I enjoyed seeing the detail of the beak and talons. If you have a chance, take a look at “Spring Cheer” I put up last night. Feeling very happy with the photo on that post. (Even though its big already, its worth clicking for the enlargement.)