Almost mature bald eagle
The weather hasn't changed, and I wasn't planning to go out today...until my husband suggested that we do so, after I got back from choir rehearsal and he got done painting the extra bedroom. We'd both seen what we thought were the snow geese again, so out we went! Only to find...that they were swans. (Difficult to tell the difference at 60mph on the highway.) I haven't seen the swans in front of the house for a few weeks, so assumed they had moved on. Obviously, a few have remained in the area. Along with countless mallards! The sounds we heard on this trip were wonderful! Nothing is as raucous, and as easily recognizable, as a mallard call.
There were lots and lots of raptors out (you see just a couple of the photos taken) and numerous geese, ducks and coot. The pond being frozen has sent most of the birds into a single area. Watching them navigate the ice, when walking, reminded me of myself on ice. The geese were especially careful, looking like they were picking their way across very carefully. And they don't even have that far to fall! (Maybe the other geese would laugh at them.)
We saw four eagles on the refuge near the river - this was the only one with adult plumage. I've seen lots of juveniles this year, easily two or three to every adult I've seen. And this eagle is just achieving adult plumage.
I am ready for some sunshine again - but this weather was perfect for what we did today. The birds were stable, I didn't have to worry about the sun in the camera, and I can get colors some other day - today I got a wonderful variety, several question marks, and a delightful time!
|
No comments:
Post a Comment