Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

We took our van on the 3.5 mile paved Wildlife Drive at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, Md.

We were not disappointed (other than in the lack of spots to pull over!). There were so many birds to see in a relatively small area.

The refuge was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for migrating birds, and it contains more than 32,000 acres.

One-third of Maryland’s tidal wetlands are part of the refuge, and about 250 species of birds pass through each year.

One of the first things we came upon was a total surprise – we saw a gathering of large white birds and wondered if they were possibly swans all huddled together.

But no, it was a gathering of American White Pelicans!

Apparently they didn’t used to venture this far north, but for the last decade or so they have been regularly using the refuge for their winter home.

We saw several hawks and bald eagles flying, and most unexpectedly we saw a bald eagle making a meal of one of the swans, all while a vulture patiently waited his turn just a few feet away!

The refuge is “home to the largest breeding population of American bald eagles on the East Coast, north of Florida.”

There were lots of ducks and swans about, along with a few great blue herons – and of course, Canadian Geese, who somehow seem to be everywhere we travel.

But we were very excited about the large flock of snow geese who were in residence while we visited. Periodically the entire flock took off in a great cloud, swirled around, and then settled back in the water. It was exhilarating! (See cover photo and video.)

During the winter migration, more than 15,000 geese and 10,000 ducks pass through the refuge!