Historic Train bridge over the river at Tuckahoe River State Park in Queen Anne, MD
Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go in a make-believe train at the Tuckahoe State Park. The bridge has been out of service for many, many years but still stands over the Tuckahoe River along Route 404 in the center of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall.
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge as see from a car driving past on Route 404 – getting to see this for a fraction of a second.
The Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Queen Anne, MD is a beautiful and important landmark that has been part of the community for over 100 years. Located near the intersection of Route 404 and Route 50, this bridge is an integral part of the local history. Built in 1909, the Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering genius of its creators. Tucked away in the woods and now partially overgrown, this bridge is quite hard to find. It was originally built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and is a one-lane concrete and steel structure that spans the Tuckahoe River. Its overall length is over 100 feet and it stands 26 feet tall. The bridge is located at the southern border of the Tuckahoe River State Park and is “briefly” visible to vehicles passing by on Maryland Route 404 near Queen Anne, Maryland.
“Tuckahoe State Park is a public recreation area located along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, United States. Adkins Arboretum, a garden and preserve maintaining over 600 native plant species, occupies 500 acres of the park.” (from :Wikipedia)
The above photograph was taken in 2014 and has been a popular image of Bill Swartwout Photography’s online gallery. So, of course prints are available along with a variety of home decor items.
This Egret fishes from the Fishing Pier at Myrtle Beach State Park
I met Randy, the Great Egret (Ardea alba) , at Myrtle Beach State Park on a recent road trip. He was standing on top of the shelter on the fishing pier and, evidently, had a great itch. The beautiful white plumage and the regal posture of this fascinating bird makes him really stand out in a crowd, so to speak. One cannot help but notice him as he struts around acting so sure of himself.
Randy, the Great Egret at Myrtle Beach State Park, appears to be scratching an itch.
No, I did not name him. A couple of fishermen on the pier told me he hangs around so much they all call him Randy. He keeps an eye on the fishing lines and is quick to react whenever a fish spits out a hook and tries to swim away. Seems like easy picking to me – smart bird.
Randy, the Great Egret, keeps an eye on things from his perch atop the shelter on the fishing pier.
Here’s a picture of Randy, the Great Egret, in an advantageous location on top of the pavilion on the pier. From this vantage point he can keep an eye on everyone and every thing. He seems to trust the fishermen on the pier more that he does the fact that a fish might throw a hook and get away. Randy tries to make sure that nothing “tasty” gets away.
The great egret is also known as the common egret or large egret. It is a wading bird found in both tropical and temperate regions. The great egret is long-legged and long-necked, with a long, thin bill. They are mostly white in color with black tips on their primary feathers. This makes them look almost as if they have been dipped in paint.
The great egrets has been known to live up to 20 years in captivity and up to 30 years in the wild. They feed mostly on fish, frogs, snakes and insects but will also eat reptiles, birds’ eggs and small mammals when needed. Their hunting style is very similar to that of an osprey or an eagle which means they will sit patiently waiting for prey to approach before striking quickly with their long sharp bill which can be up to two feet long!
Great Egrets are monogamous birds meaning they mate for life which usually lasts about 5 years before one dies off leaving behind one chick who will then be cared for by both parents until it reaches maturity at 2 years old when it can fly off into the sunset on its own
While this particular bird was photographed on the fishing pier at Myrtle Beach State Park in South Carolina, this just as easily might be see at any of several fishing piers along the east coast. There are many “Ralphs” just looking for an easy meal. The great egret is also known as the common egret, large egret, or great white egret or even the great white heron.
Photographs of this Great Egret are available at my online stores on a variety of substrates and also on home decor items. Use the links below to shop.
The great white egret is a magnificent bird, with a wingspan that can reach up to seven feet. Its bill is long, thin and black at the tip. It is used for catching fish and insects in shallow water or wetlands. The great white egret has dark legs that are set far back on its body. It has a long neck and head with a large yellow bill.
This bird can be found in North America, Central America and South America as well as Eurasia and Africa. They tend to live near water where they build their nests which are made from sticks or reeds and lined with mud or grasses. A pair of great white egrets may mate for life; however, if one dies then another mate will usually be found soon after this happens during breeding season (March – June). They lay three eggs which hatch after about twenty days depending on temperature levels outside at this time of year (spring). The chicks will fledge after sixty days but continue feeding until about eighty days old when they become independent from their parents once again!
