![A smartphone snapping a photo of a bright yellow flower in a grassy field](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-01/photography_taking_photo_with_smartphone_rocky_mountain_arsenal_nwr_ian_shive_tandem.jpg?itok=a3eebQCr)
Whether you are interested in photographing waterfowl in the winter, butterflies in the summer, or stunning landscapes any time of year, Eastern Neck NWR will not disappoint! Many visitors make a special annual trip to see the tundra swans swimming and honking along the shoreline of the refuge. The swans spend winter with us eating grasses and resting before heading north in the late winter. Bald eagles nest at the refuge and can be seen flying all year. The refuge's "BayScape" butterfly garden attracts a variety of pollinators, such as the stunning zebra swallowtail butterfly.
To protect wildlife and their habitat, photographers are reminded to stay on roads and trails. Unmanned aircraft (such as drones) are strictly prohibited to maintain public health and safety and to protect refuge resources. Launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within the boundaries of Eastern Neck NWR is prohibited.
Please note that the refuge will be CLOSED on these dates for deer management hunts.