A nice assortment of ducks graced the pond one recent afternoon. All just passing through and very temporary visitors staying just long enough to rest-up and grab a meal on their journey south. Lesser Scaups (both males and females) Red-headed ducks and Buffleheads were present and enjoying a nice afternoon of filtered winter sunlight.
For the last few years a fine pair of Mallard Ducks have chosen to share a small local pond with us. We have named the pair Sue and Lou and they have become fine friends indeed. This day we found Lou sitting quietly waiting out a middle-May snow storm.
Sue enjoying the early evening light just a few days after the snow.
Welcome back and here’s to a fine summer.
This grey goose is the king/queen of the local pond.
A male Redheaded Duck enjoying the late afternoon sun on a chilly winter afternoon.
An uncommon but not rare visitor to one of the local reservoirs where waterfowl stop by on their migratory journeys. The was an especially handsome looking albeit a bit shy Blue-winged teal who seemed fittingly dressed for the slate-grey waters that morning.
Meet Lou the sweetest, oh well, the only male duck on a small pond close to home. Lou is married to Sue who we deduce is sitting on a nest full of eggs at the moment. Lou is courteous and polite and protective of Sue in just the right way.
He always prefers to make sure Sue has finished eating before he takes his meals. Standing guard and keeping his eyes open for predators.
Lou is amenable to having his portrait taken and over the course of a month or two we have indeed taken a few. A fine looking guy with a personality that is hard to beat.
So, meet Lou, the best male duck on the whole pond.
A male Redheaded Duck enjoying the late afternoon sun on a chilly winter afternoon.
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.
Looks like someone is putting on a show.
Mating season means showing off and this Male Hooded Merganser is doing a fine job of letting the other males on the pond know he’s got what it takes to win the ladies over. Denver, CO.
The Canada goose seems to be mirroring my thoughts as a very infrequent visitor stops by the local pond this day. We perhaps see one or two Red Breasted Mergansers per winter and this was our lucky day. Denver, CO.
nature has no boss 
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