Davis Ducks

(c) 2012 High Virginia Images

I had to go to Thomas on the afternoon of Monday October 29 of 2012; just as the storm was getting started. I had just enough time to briefly check out the Davis sewage pond. I pulled into the lower end of the pond and didn't see any waterfowl; the snow was just starting to intensify. I took the dogs and binoculars and began walking to the southern end of the pond. The whole upper portion was covered with ducks and geese and I was able to identify: Mallards, American Black Duck,Gadwall,Ruddy Duck,American Wigeon,Northern Pintail,Ring-necked Duck,Wood Duck,Northern Shoveler,American Coots and Canada Geese. The numbers were building as the snows got heavier. I walked back to my truck for the camera. The dogs and I were covered with 3 inches of slush; by the time we reached the vehicle. It may be a 200 yard walk at the most. I got the truck parked in the only spot that provided an unobstructed view of the pond. Of course I was facing into the wind coming from the northwest. It didn't take long for the camera lens to fill with snow. This was the highest numbers and variety of waterfowl that I have ever seen in the WV mountains. I was surprised that no mergansers were present. By the time I got out of there and was headed for Thomas, the roads were quickly deteriorating and you probably know the rest of the story from there. To say the least, it got worse.But, I was glad to see all of these species in WV at one time. It was surely the highlight of the week.

Mountain Laurel Time Is Near

The next few weeks will be prime time for viewing the exquisite mountain laurel show of the highlands. I do not believe that there is a finer place to do this than Tucker County, WV. One of the easiest spots to find these mountain beauties is the Canaan Heights area; along Rt. 32, south of Davis, WV. The rocky, acid soils of this area produce some of the best colors that I have seen. I was there on June 6 and they are beginning to bloom, not very many though. We have had some abnormally high temperature over the past few days; this may encourage them to open up a little early. The main show should begin next week. They are usually pretty nice for about two weeks. Do yourself a favor and do not miss the show. Now is the time to plan a trip to the Thomas, Davis, Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls area of Tucker County; for some great outdoor photography experiences.

Long-tailed Duck

The Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) is a duck of the Arctic Tundra.  They are not a common migrant to the West Virginia mountains; but it does seem appropriate this "Spring".  They normally spend the winter on shallow ocean waters.  I saw them regularly, when I lived on Tangier Sound.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to get some photos of this species yesterday evening at Davis, in Tucker County, WV.

Darkness was quickly approaching and I just happened to have my worst lens for the conditions attached.  That is usually the case isn't it?  The frigid temperatures did not help much and was slowing down an already slow setup.   I took about 25 shots, this is the only one that I had time to work on this morning, but I wanted to post something.
It would have been nice if one of the stunning males would have been present.  I did not have time to check out the much larger sewer treatment pond downstream from this location.  Hopefully; I will be able to check it out for others today.
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