The heat was turned on today here in northern Virginia.  The water level at Huntley Meadows park was very low forcing some Green-backed Herons, like the one above, to search for food in limited areas.  Luckily one of those areas was near the boardwalk allowing some close-up photography.

There were a number of Killdeer searching for food in the mud fields left by the receding water, getting their legs and beaks covered in the muck.  The one below shows the characteristic two black bands across a white chest and the red eye ring of an adult.

This time of year, dragonflies are seen by the hundreds. The varieties are fascinating and they trend to be easy to photograph up close at Huntley Meadows. I certainly enjoy photographing them….below are the Red Skimmer and Blue Dasher Dragonflies.