Swamp Birds
When I think of sandpipers, beaches usually come to mind, but the solitary sandpiper does not follow that model.
Great Blue Herons & Thoreau
Instead, I drift on a creek off of the North Landing River, the sun warm on my shoulders, drinking coffee from a thermos, watching a heron hunt amongst the cypress knees.
The Canary of the Swamp
Once called the golden swamp warbler or the canary of the swamp, these small continental travellers arrive from Central and South America each spring and brighten the wetlands with their color and their song.
Dogwoods and Black water
In my mind, there are certain things that are unmistakably southern. Moon pies. Collards. Sweet tea. Pickups on red dirt roads. Bald cypress and live oak trees…
Spring on the River
It’s Spring here in the South and the North Landing River is beginning its transformation from the earthy tones of winter to the verdant surge of Spring.
Foggy River Mornings
On this day, I had the river, the fog, and the magic to myself. There was only one pickup truck in the boat ramp parking lot - mine. Before twilight, I was heading north on the river, giddy with expectation for the beauty I knew would arrive in less than an hour.
Blond Bobcat
She saw me at the same time that I saw her. She stopped in her tracks, mid-stride and stared. I had a split second decision to make - the camera or the phone?
The Beauty in Swamps
Less than a mile to the north and east, people drive unknowingly past this secluded dark and serene location in the swamp.
Biophilia..
For several months, I have seen signs of a beaver in a swamp just minutes from my house. I have been searching for the beaver and his lodge, with no success until yesterday.
North Landing River Pocosins
The river is flanked by water-logged peatland, a wild and impenetrable mosaic of stunted pines, stands of Atlantic White Cedar and dense shrub thickets.
Holiday Gift Idea
Give an experience this holiday season - an ecotour on the North Landing River!
Twilight on Albright’s Creek
Between the Pungo Ridge and the Land of Promise Ridge flows a Virginia Scenic River.
North Landing Mornings
The North Landing River in southeastern Virginia is a watery ribbon that cuts a winding path through a maze of marshes and pocosins. Unlike many rivers, the North Landing River does not start narrow and fast in the mountains of Virginia.
What draws me to the River
he North Landing River is justly designated wild and scenic - a joy to gaze upon and a delight to travel and explore.
Changing Plans
Some mornings, my plans go awry - it’s just what happens. When I’m going, I usually decide the night before where on the North Landing River I want to be at sunrise. Most often, my goal is to be in place deep in some tributary creek…
Land of Promise
Southern Virginia Beach is different from what most people think of when they hear the name of the city. There are no hotels. No StarBucks or souvenir shops.
My Mansion
Time spent on the North Landing River is a peaceful and scenic experience, and most days I have the river entirely to myself. Occasionally, a fisherman in a small flat bottomed boat will appear around the bend in one of the many creeks that feed the North Landing.
Feathers & Fur
Swamps are magical places. Forbidding to some, but to those who venture, they reveal a world full of life and secrets.
Rare Encounters
The North Landing River is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise and is always a pleasure to explore.