Today was our first really Spring-like day, so of course I was out with the camera. I went down to my usual hang-out, walking through Ballard Park, down Hazard Rd. to Gooseneck Cove, down to Ocean Drive to look at the new conduits they've put under the road to increase tidal flow (and consequently saltier water) to the upper part of Gooseneck Cove. The water was really flowing through those conduits today, and we're hoping this will really perk up the upper Cove. After that I went up to my "country lane" leg of the walk, through the back fields of the Swiss Village Farm.
It was while I was on the country lane leg, on Beacon Hill Rd., that I saw one of our surest signs of Spring in full swing - this male Goldfinch in full breeding plumage, sitting high up in a tree and just warbling away. His song went on so constantly that I kept wondering where in there he was getting in a breath!
But the real star of the day was back in Ballard Park, in the pond on the floor of the old quarry. Three ducks flew by me and landed in the pond while I was walking by; a male and a female Mallard, and miracle of miracles, a male Wood Duck. I've been trying to get a decent shot of a Wood Duck for years, and finally today I got the chance. Here he is in all his glory.
© 2009 by A. Roy Hilbinger
I've never seen a wood duck; thanks for these great close-ups, Roy.
ReplyDeleteIsn't he a beauty! Congratulations on a great gift. I love the reflection on the water, not just of him, but the gorgeous day!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh....very nice Wood Duck and cute goldfinch! I like the names of your streets..."down Hazard Rd. to Gooseneck Cove" (sounds like a perfect place...).
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