Further evidence of the approaching Spring from my visit last Saturday to Huntley Meadows park came in the form of increased bird activity. Great Blue Herons were back in numbers.  I enjoy photographing GBH’s because they offer so many different poses with their ability to extend, contract and contort their long necks.

There was also a lot of activity up in the trees, including the constant pecking of the Pileated Woodpecker.

While the early morning was nice and sunny, the skies eventually became completely overcast in grey clouds.  I left Huntley Meadows with a nice collection of wildlife shots.  On the drive home, I couldn’t help pulling into the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge to take a look at what might be going on there. Bald Eagles were in the air and while their nesting season is pretty much at an end, Osprey nesting is just beginning.  This Osprey below was taking advantage of a platform to build its nest.  It was interesting to watch it carry in a load of sticks and place each piece into position.