The other day we spotted a few Canvasbacks in the local pond. This guy just awoke from a nap on the edge of the ice. We don’t see many Canvasbacks around our area in the winter so watching a few napping and others diving into the pond for a meal was quite a treat.
A Ruffed Grouse walking across a small frozen pond covered with spruce needles is something I have not seen. Those fully feathered legs must keep her warm on her winter journeys.
These guys always seem so alert and on patrol. Furthermore, they look pretty darn tough. That said, they are one of the more skittish ducks on the ponds and getting close is always a challenge.
With barely room for both claws to get a good hold an American Kestrel perches on the top a branch.
A Cygnet Trumpeter Swan going about their daily routine on an overcast late fall afternoon. The weather this day sure seemed to be saying it was time to move along further south soon. Yet this Cygnet seemed content and we watched as they went on..
drinking and feeding…
…and preening supported by dinosaur legs.
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.
While the nuthatches and chickadees visit the spruce trees in droves each winter we typically see only one or maybe two Brown Creepers busy foraging in the trees. We suspect they are after the seed that the nuthatches have just hidden.
Easy pickings or are they still searching for insects?
We usually do not see Grebes on the local pond during winter in our neck of the woods. However, last week, this Western Grebe was swimming in a small section of a local pond that remained unfrozen. Perhaps she if off course in migration and landed here to rest and refuel. Although it was a pleasure to see her, I hope she takes advantage of this weeks thaw to get back on track and is gone the next time I visit this pond.
Looking like it just finished a meal this Red tailed Hawk was right back at it. Watching the fields intently for a mouse to stir and trying to make the most of the short days this time of year.
Face to face with the Ravens Beard and a tidy well kept beard to boot.
White Faced Ibis roosting on a cool cloudy morning.
nature has no boss 
You must be logged in to post a comment.