A mule deer demonstrating a bit of youthful exuberance gives us a playful look on a beautiful spiring morning that just seems like it is meant for play. In the Foothills near Denver, CO.
Tag: denver
Sunset Flap
A northern Shoveler spreading his wings into the setting sun. It is always a joy to take a walk into the setting sun.
Siesta
A young mule deer enjoying a little afternoon nap. A nice siesta on a Friday Afternoon sounds like a pretty good idea this week.
Golden Eyes
Different yet oh so similar and both with golden eyes. A male Red Headed duck in the background and a male Common Goldeneye both cruising the local pond near sunset looking to impress the ladies.
Winter Snag
Old trees like this snag as well as downed uncleared patches of trees provide critical habitat for numerous species of birds, insects and mammals that allow ecosystems to be diverse and healthy. I also find them beautiful to look at and exciting to photograph and this old guy is a prime example. Crown Hill Park, Wheat Ridge, CO.
Strutting their stuff
Two male goldeneyes working hard to impress a female in the late afternoon light. These guys will likely only be around here a few more weeks. As spring arrives most of the waterfowl leave my area. Their yearly coming and going gives rhythm to life. Have a great trip north and someday I hope to join you.
Winter Blues?
Seeing a Great Blue Heron take flight on a cold snowy day is a sure way to cure those mid-winter blues. Clear Creek in Denver, CO.
Red Breasted Merganser
An infrequent sighting on our local pond was this Red Breasted Merganser. When we arrived he was off in the distance head tucked and floating as he snoozed on a chilly morning. After watching him, as well as the hoodies and shovelers on the pond for an hour or so, he woke up swam around a bit, dove for some crawfish and flew away. Luckily he swam our way and we were able get a good look at a good looking bird and snap a few photos.
Brrrrrr…!
Snowing, blowing and chilly. Winter has arrived. On Christmas it began to snow but now it is just downright chilly -7 F (-21C) this morning with light snow and a bit of a breeze. Tonight it is forecast to be -14 F (-25C). Time to throw that extra blanket on the bed.
Hybrid Mallards?
There are four photos in the full post.
A few weeks ago we noticed these three ducks all hanging out together that looked a bit like mallards but they were darker in spots and the coloration was just not typical of a mallard. In addition,one guy had some strange poofy feathers on his head. They were also much larger, almost goose size, compared to the typical mallard.
At first I thought they might be melanistic mallards, expressing excess feather pigmentation. However after reading more on melanistic animals I think they are probably some type of mallard hybrids. When we first saw these guys they seemed out of their element in the local pond. All three hung out very close together the whole time we observed them even dabbling in unison for food. Perhaps another case of pet ducks released into the wild just like our encounters with the Pekin and Mandarin ducks in the past.
If anyone can shed some light as to the exact origins of these hybrids it is welcome. Until then they remain a bit of a mystery to me.
nature has no boss 
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