Sika
Sika Deer, Dorchester County, Maryland, July 2025 — The eastern shore in Maryland is now home to a large population of the marsh-dwelling Sika deer. They are originally from Japan but were introduced in Maryland in the early 1900s, and have thrived. Though there was some concern about competition for resources with the native White-tail, it turns out that they prefer different habitats and can coexist just fine. This is a female. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Down the hatch
Cedar Waxwing: Woolford, Maryland, July 2025 — My brother has a black cherry tree outside his trailer that attracts all kinds of birds. This appears to be a young Cedar Waxwing…it is a Cedar Waxwing for sure…I am guessing that it is young because of the roughness of the normally very smooth feathering, and maybe a hint of remaining gape. My nephew spotted first and then we had to wait for a clear shot. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Pretty boy!
Red-winged Blackbird: Blackwater NWR, Maryland, USA, July 2025 — I took another swing through the refuge on my way from my AirBnB to my brother Rick’s. Not much happening on a hot July morning, but the Red-wings were showing off. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Red Head
Red-headed Woodpecker: Blackwater NWR, Maryland, USA, July 2025 — Living in Maine, I do not get to see this bird much, but they are common here in Maryland. This one was with a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds working the edge of the wildlife drive or insects and seeds. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Needham’s Skimmer
Needham’s Skimmer: I am not sure I have seen a full adult Needham’s Skimmer before…or at least the ones they have here on the Chesapeake Shore in Maryland are much redder than any I have seen it the past. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my insect modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Great Blue
Great Blue Heron: Steven’s Gift, Cambridge, Maryland, USA — Coming back to my AirBnB in the early evening, I found this patient heron waiting in the pond by the long drive in from the road. Great light and a very healthy bird make this one of my most satisfying heron shots to date. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 292mm equivalent. Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow, recently fledged I think. Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 2025 — Down on the river shore. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
That deer again.
White-tailed Deer. Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 2025 — again visiting the in-laws and very likely the same deer showed up at the edge of their overgrown meadow. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program. Processed in Photomator.
Still feeding
Least Tern: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 2025 — Least Tern chicks are still being fed even after they are flight born and making short hops up and down the beach. This one is not quite ready to fly, but any day now. I spotted the chick in an open area and put my stool down and sat at a respectful distance and waited until the terns settled and then about 20 minutes more before a parent came to feed. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
River playing with wawa
When it is hot, why not play with the water, or wawa as River says? Sony a5100. Sony 10-18f4. Superior Auto.