Huntley Meadows

Huntley Meadows is the largest park in Fairfax County, Virginia.  But has fewer trails than some.  Granted, much of their trail is boardwalk over a swamp, so that's pretty cool and a way to get into a giant swamp without getting one's boots dirty.  But being stuck on the boardwalk limits the photos.

Check it out at:

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/

And a now some photos from my 1.5 hour trip there today.

Canada Goose looking good

One of my bird profile pics, this one a Canada Goose

A song sparrow

Three mourning doves fluffed up for the cold wind that was blowing today

Female red-winged blackbird on a cat tail

The swamp at Huntley's Meadow in late fall

The bluebird was trying to eat the mantid, but the mantid put up a fight and...

The bluebird gave up after the mantid reared up and displayed it's wings. This is a very aggressive display, and I wish I captured it better.

The mantid eyeing me up after the ordeal. Seems to be a Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis)

The boardwalk at Huntley Meadows. Part of the reason I wasn't able to get closer to some things for photos, but all the reason I was able to walk around the swamp at all.

White-thoated sparrow.

Not my best painted turtle shot, but these will be gone into hibernation soon enough so putting this one up

And an immature Great Blue Heron to end today's blog post. Or...

A second shot of the Great Blue Heron (immature) with a bit more scenery around it.