End of the Year

Some free time and a bit of mild weather in December was all the excuse I needed to visit Dutch Gap Conservation Area (DGCA). I am certainly no stranger to DGCA - it is one of my favorite local spots. And while I might occasionally bemoan the repetition of seeing Ring-necked Ducks during the winter, deep down inside I think they are cool looking birds that I really can't resist photographing. Especially when they are at a convenient distance and in good light.

Even a Canada Goose becomes an interesting photographic subject in good light. This one is clearly demonstrating a balancing-while-napping skill that I will never have.

I was on my way out of the park when I spied this lovely Turkey Vulture taking advantage of the morning sunshine. Too good to pass up, I got out of my car and took several photos of this pose, while he watched me for any sign that I might be trouble.

View of the James River

As I mentioned before, Hog Island sits in a bend of the James River near Williamsburg, Virginia. It is just downstream, and on the opposite bank, from the Jamestown Settlement. These two pictures look out over the James River in the upstream direction. I wish I could say that you could see Jamestown from these photos, but that would be pretty much a lie. Instead of focusing on that, look at the pretty geese!