The Upper Delaware has always been known for its abundance. For its wildlife, for its natural resources, for its diversity of fish in lakes, streams and rivers. Inhabitants all, each lends its presence to the whole of the ecosystem. And provide great fodder for the photographers among us to document, and for the reader to marvel in the diversity. Here are the photographs of Kathleen Colligan, who captures these scenes on daily walks near her home on the Pennsylvania side of the Narrowsburg bridge.

Of great abundance

The Delaware River and its banks are feeding grounds for many animals. Muskrat, mink, raccoon, beaver and snapping turtle are the most common. Along the roadways, you can carefully watch for white-tailed deer and wild turkey. The nighttime creatures, include fox, racoon, owl, opposums and bats.

Part of the Atlantic Flyway, over 200 avian species relying on the area for all or part of their life cycle. Named by the PA Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 1998, the watershed hosts one of the largest populations of wintering bald eagles in the Northeast and an ever expanding year round population.

The Delaware River and its tributaries support more than 60 fish species, including species that make the river their permanent home as well as migratory species such as eels and American shad that travel between the upper reaches of the river and the Atlantic Ocean. Great blue herons can often be seen wading in shallow areas of the river looking for fish, frogs, or small crustaceans for a meal. Occasionally river otters can be spotted silently gliding through the water.

— Excerpt from https://www.nps.gov/upde/learn/nature/animals.htm