All in a Day's Walk

I started out in the woods.  I passed a small swamp which I've never witnessed any sign of life there before other than croaking frogs in the spring, although I'm sure there must be creatures inhabiting the area as well.  So I was taken by surprise when a cormorant shot up out of the water and flew overhead.  I missed that shot, but promised to stop by this swamp again on the way out to see if it returned.  I did.  No cormorants were there, but I did startle a pair of ducks!  I managed to catch them through my lens.

I couldn't very well leave the swamp without photographing a cattail or two.

Not much was moving around in the woods except for lots of squirrels.  These two stopped from their incessive scurrying to each enjoy a little snack.

This one zoomed in on me as I zoomed in on him!

Later in the day I explored a spot I'd never been to before.  Right away I noticed this Belted Kingfisher, perched on a stick, surveying a pond filled with geese.

A few birds flitted about, but I had my eye on an adjacent vast field.  I hoped to see a hawk or perhaps a fox and went closer to investigate.

Sure enough, there was a hawk waiting for me!  I believe this to be a Northern Harrier.

After a moment or two, I followed it as it flew for cover, giving me a nice view of it's wings and flight feathers.