An American Coot (Fulica americana) turned its head as it swam away from me yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, allowing the light to illuminate its stunning red eyes that often remain hidden in the shadows.
This was the first time that I have been out with my camera in several weeks. I have been mostly housebound during that time, due to the frigid temperatures and lingering snow that has made driving a challenge. Here in Northern Virginia we are not used to dealing with this much snow and the only now are we starting to warm enough for the snow to start to melt.
Yesterday was warm enough that the icy top layer of the snow had softened enough that it was no longer slippery, but it also mean that I was sinking into the snow several inches as I trudged along the still snow-covered trails at the wildlife refuge.
I was happy to have a few encounters with birds and I’ll share some more photos in the next few days, but thought I’d get back to more regular postings, now that I have something to share.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
wonderful photo and lovely to see your posting again. We were in Raleigh and Asheville areas during the snow storms and could see how difficult it made life for everyone. Here in NH we’ve had over 2 ft but are well equipped to deal with it. Good winter for bird feeding/watching. I’m particularly enjoying the bluebirds at the mealworm feeder. Enjoy your wanderings.