Tuesday, April 22 is Earth Day. In observance of this day and the ongoing imperative of stewardship of God’s Creation as part of social justice, enjoy these portraits of the creatures who share this small planet with us — taken at my favorite spots at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland and the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware.
Above: Osprey parent stands guard over nest at sunrise at Blackwater.
Below: Portrait of a Great Blue Heron
Below: Eagle soars at Blackwater
Below: Egrets huddle in the brush ready to pounce on minnows
Below: a young buck with antlers just starting to sprout
Below: “Eagle eye” is true! Eagles perch high on branches and never stop watching….
Below: Osprey hover over water with talons extended ready to pounce on fish dinner
Below: This snapping turtle just wanted to cross the road to get away from some bikers who were threatening to pick it up… do not touch!
Below: just watch your step! That branch might be slithering…
Below: blue-winged teal at Bombay Hook
Below: Great white egrets are at their most beautiful when flying
Below: Even the carp deserve a little respect on Earth Day!