Today the New River seemed to have a bit more "nature excitement" on it than in the last few river runs that we have made. Early on in our rafting I spotted a Red-breasted Merganser and two young ones. I was intrigued to grab a few pictures though it was difficult while moving even in the calmer section of our rafting trip. And also the female, "momma bird" was a bit anxious with my need to get a closer look and photos. She moved about changing directions as though she wish that I would go away but the young ones seem oblivious to my approach! I do not believe that I have seen the Red-breasted Merganser before. It was interesting to note the wild eyed expression and crazy Mohawk appearance of the top feathers on the female adults head. She looked like a high strung, nervous and confused momma as I approached closer but calmly. It may have simply been her "natural look". I tried to be courteous in my curiosity and tried not to move too quickly in order to keep her from too much more stress or panic. We also spotted a Blue Heron that we have seen on a few river trips and a multitude of dragonflies and damselflies. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors and on the river.
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| Red-breasted Merganser female |
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| I'm pretty sure that she was thinking, why are you following us and what are you looking at. |
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| Cruising down the river. |
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| One of the young Red-breasted Merganser with it's head submerged while the other one cruises on down the river |
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| Female Red-breasted Merganser keeping an eye on me. |
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| One of the young Red-breasted Merganser with it's head submerged while the other one just popped up from it's under water view. |
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| Blue Heron |
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| Blue Heron |
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| Pipevine (Battus philenor) swallowtail along the river bank. |
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| The Thurmond, WV bridge. |
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The New River above Thurmond, West Virginia
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| As we pulled out of Thurmond, West Virginia along the railroad track we ran down to a creek bed and snapped a few shots of this waterfall. |
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