Alphabet Hunt Challenge ~ Letter N

This is my entry in the Alphabet Hunt Challenge by @barbara-orenya. You can read more about the Alphabet Hunt and how to join in HERE!

Here are my six (or so) photos representing the letter N ...

1. Nature
Being able to get out and enjoy nature is good for the Soul in my book! From the time I was a child I enjoyed going for walks and hikes around the old neighborhood and the wooded area just down the street from where I lived. So, it's no wonder that I still enjoy getting out and tromping through the woods and trails when I can. Granted..I may not be quite as adventurous on my walks but that is not for a lack of wanting to be but, physically, not being able to do some things that I once could. That's okay though because I don't have to climb a mountain to take in what nature has to offer and there's still plenty to see closer to the ground level ...

... and a surprise here and there! Like the excitement that I felt when I came across this Great Blue Heron in the Gunpowder River. This is the first time that I've shown this Heron and I just couldn't keep it to myself any longer. It was totally unexpected seeing him (or her) and I'm thankful not only for seeing him but being able to photograph him to share with you!

2. Nature Center
A Nature Center is always a fun visit! This is the lobby at the Marshy Point Nature Center in Baltimore County, Maryland. The Mallard Duck in the photo is a rescue and now lives there. Such a sweet greeting and this little duck does like to follow you around but don't try to pet her as she is still a wild bird and may bite you. They use to have a starling that could talk which was rescued as a baby. Unfortunately, the last time we visited we learned the starling had passed away.

3. Northern Diamondback Terrapins
The Marshy Point Nature Center has so much to see including these Northern Diamondback Terrapins. They also happen to be the state reptile for Maryland and are also the mascot of the University of Maryland. I think these cuties looked as anxious to see me as I was to see them!

4. Nest
Here is an exhibit there of an Osprey nest. I've seen Osprey nests but only from a distance. The Osprey is a protected bird and people are cautioned never to disturb them while on an active nest unless you have a permit. If it is an inactive nest (no eggs or young in nest) then it can be removed without a permit. Sometimes they will try to nest in places where you wouldn't want them to which can be a problem. I've only seen Osprey nests a handful of times and never very close to where I live as they like to be near large bodies of water.

5. Northern Pipefish
This next collage shows the Northern Pipefish. I photographed these at the Assateague Island Visitor Center in Maryland. The Northern Pipefish is not very big. It can be up to eight inches long and is very slender. They easily blend in with reeds and grasses. They are also closely related to the seahorse.

6. Northern Cardinal
You know what though?! You don't really have to travel anywhere to enjoy nature! You can find it in your own yard, street or neighborhood. In the grass, trees, flowers and sky. It is all around us. As a matter of fact, I "caught" this pretty Northern Cardinal just outside my window! 🙂

That's brings us to the end of this week's edition of #alphabethunt! 🙂
Thank you @barbara-orenya for #alphabethunt!!