Skyline Drive Sunset

Skyline Drive in Spring

No matter how many times I visit the Skyline and Blue Ridge Parkways, I always see something different. On this visit trees in the valleys were fully leafed-out while the trees at the top of the mountains and ridges were at different stages of bud or emerging. You could watch Spring creeping up the hillsides. It was spectacular.

Female English (house) Sparrow

English Sparrow - female

Identified with help from my Flickr birding photographer friends. I love the coloration on the sparrow's back. Taken at Shenandoah Crossing just East of Charlottesville, VA.

Touchdown

Hi Honey I'm Home! Look what I brought you.

This is the last of four images of a male Great Blue Heron as he approaches and lands at his palm tree nest with nesting material for his mate. He lands and presents his mate with the gift of nesting material.

Shot at The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera

Hovering to Land

Male GBH hovers just before landing.

Here's the third image of a male Great Blue Heron as he approaches and lands at his palm tree nest with nesting material for his mate.

Here he's ready to touch down.

Shot at The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera

The Approach -- Slowing

Slowing to land.

Here's the second of four images of a male Great Blue Heron as he approaches and lands at his palm tree nest with nesting material for his mate.

The male slows more quickly with this vertical position.

Shot at The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera

In Flight

Male Great Blue Heron approaches the nest with gift

The next few posts will follow a male Great Blue Heron as he approaches and lands at his palm tree nest with nesting material for his mate.

Here the male in full flight, begins to arrest his speed for landing.

Shot at The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera