It hit 95 degrees, creating a very summer-like day (although thankfully without the normal summer-like humidity in this area).  The flowers appear to be enjoying the spring heat spell, including these azaleas, which seem to burst out overnight.

Huntley Meadows was so good yesterday I had to return today, joined by my brother-in-law, Paul, and my nephew, Matthew, who is studying photography in high school.  The park was a little more subdued this morning but the male Red-winged Blackbirds were still very active and putting on their display of colors for the ladies.

Watched the sun come up at Huntley Meadows this morning.  This park in northern Virginia is one of the premiere birding spots in the area and there is always  a crowd of photographers who benefit from the great show put on by the locals.  This morning, in addition to the Great Egrets dancing and Osprey fishing for breakfast, there was a Hooded Merganser taking her rather large family out for a morning swim.  I counted 13 little ones, the family was so big I couldn’t get them all in one picture!

One of the perks about living in the DC area is the yearly trip down to the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Today’s visit included perfect weather and thousands of fellow tree-watchers.  The blossoms did not disappoint.