York River State Park is a Birder's Paradise

Our park of the month series continues with this great photo essay about birding and birds at York River State Park.

I'll keep the commentary brief because I know photos are what counts with would-be and professional birders, but let me just say this. York River State Park has it all--wetland marshes, freshwater pond, coastal forest, and river shorelines. The extensive trail network makes accessing each of these bird habitats easy. 

So pack your camera bag, binoculars, a bottle of water, and a couple granola bars and hit the trails. You'll come back from your adventure with photos like these.

 A blue heron takes flight over the marsh. Taking photos during a kayak trip on Taskinas Creek or the York River make for some dramatic shots. 

A little blue heron poses for a rare portrait shot on the York River 

Lunch break! Osprey nests dot the shoreline of the York River including sections of York River State Park.

Looking for love at York River State Park. Note the red-tinted breeding plumage on his crown

You might get lucky and stumble on an outdoor air show. An osprey defends its nesting territory from a bald eagle.

The Bluebird Loop Trail has a variety of nesting boxes and is a great place to photograph these colorful and curious birds.

A gull braves the brisk winter wind at Croaker Landing. Winter is a great time for birding with all the leaf cover off the trees. 

A bufflehead drake bobs along the waves on the York River

 Great birds to look for in the winter are red-bellied woodpeckers (here one taps out a tune at Croaker Landing)

And if you need some help with your photography skills, sign up for one of Park Education Specialist John Gresham's photography workshops in Spring 2015. John took all the photos above at York River State Park. Click here for a schedule of upcoming programs, but check back often as the park is updating its schedule throughout the winter and early spring.