Wildlife in Winter

Howdy,

Are there good, reliable places for viewing winter wildlife anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic region? I'm located outside of Philadelphia and have some vacation time, I'm really hoping to be able to go out and shoot (with a camera) some wildlife.

Thanks.

If you like eagles try the Conowingo Dam in northern Maryland.

what sort of wildlife are you looking for?

Coming from PA I would say check out Bombay Hook in Delaware or Chincoteague NWR in VA for snow geese. If you came down to the Outer Banks I'd be happy to take you up to photograph the wild horses here.

In PA you have, I believe, the Deleware river gorge - or something to that affect. This is supposed to hold the largest gathering of bald eagles on the east coast in the winter.

Ohio has the North Chagrin reserve in Cleavland, though if the ponds are frozen over its not worth going to as this is the best spot in the country for photographing wood ducks.

If you go to the Smoky Mountains you'll still have plenty of deer in Cades Cove and elk in Cataloochee.

Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina for swans.

There are some good areas in the New York region for snowy owls I'm told.

There are tons of great places. Just tell me what your looking for.

Jared

I believe that there are some tremendous bull elk in northwestern PA. These bulls sport unbelievable antlers, and are quite habituated. As far as I know, they don't shed their antlers 'till March, so you should have some prime subjects there for another couple months.

Backyard bird feeders often provide some wonderful opportunities to photograph Cardinals and Blue Jays, as well as some smaller songbirds.

Feeders also can give great opportunities for doves, a personal favorite. Get the doves in flight as they approach the feeding station and you'll likely capture some wonderful images.

Good luck!

Yes,the bull elk in NW PA are quite amazing,big and scary looking but make great pictures! They have the rack until early-mid spring

Go for the elk. The rut is getting into hi gear now. There are lots of bed and breakfast lodging in the Benezett area. most are probably booked up now but probably available in the next few months. The photo chancers are great in the Benezett area. You can get real close to the elk