Yes, I know it’s barely fall. While we’re waiting for the leaves to turn here in the East, it seemed a good time to look back at some images from last winter. To remind us what lies in store when it gets cold…

The Dark-eyed Junco (above) and White-breasted Nuthatch were feeder visitors in my backyard. Also the first subjects for my new 400mm zoom lens.

Northern Pintail, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Shovelers, Heinz NWR

Sanderling, Ocean City, NJ

Mute Swan, Cape May Point, NJ

Common Merganser female, Heinz NWR

Carolina Wren, Heinz NWR

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County, PA. Snow Geese gather by the thousands on their winter feeding grounds. I had no sooner pulled up to a hill covered with geese when they took off. A giant cloud of geese, whirling and spinning as one. It was an amazing sight.

I like to look at this image at the right, pick out a goose, and imagine what he may be thinking.

• “Does anyone know where we’re going?”
• “Mom always told me not to follow the crowd.”
• “Can’t a guy get some peace and quiet around here?”
• “Why is everybody following me?”
• “If you’re not the lead horse, the view never changes.”
• “I wish that goose next to me had used deodorant this morning…”

Coming up: Something more seasonal, I promise!