Beauty or beast?

Yes, they're beautiful. And the fact that they mate for life brings them many human admirers. But Mute Swans are incredibly aggressive non-native birds which drive away any large waterfowl that even think about nesting on the same bit of water. Here in Cape May, the swans have become quite a problem, taking over most of the freshwater ponds in the southern end of the county. They certainly are photogenic though.

Gold

Cape May certainly has its share of gorgeous scenery. I headed down to Cape May Point State Park late in the day, looking for pictures to take in the slanting golden light of a winter afternoon. I love the soft colors of this time of year.

 A late afternoon scan of Bunker Pond at Cape May Point State Park.

 This Tundra Swan is a recent arrival, a winter visitor from points north.

 The sunset looked like something out of a movie set.

The Cape May Light, guiding ships as it has for more than 150 years.