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Saturday, October 15, 2016

Swampers


No, no, not those swampers.....just the birdie ones.. We went up to the swamp today to try out the new camera. Alan got some really nice shots with it. I stuck to old faithful and got some that I liked too. We left around 5:30 this morning so we could be there for the early light.



Well worth it. The slanting, low angle, fall light, especially early in the day, made for spectacular colors and sharpness and the array of birds was phenomenal. We pulled into the road to one water meadow where we often see eagles and saw a whole flock of Sandhill Cranes.

Northern Harrier

Ducks were ridiculous. Dozens of American Wigeons, Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Pintails, Mallards, Gadwalls, Canvasbacks, Red Heads, Ruddy Ducks, all three teal (!!! on the Cinnamon) for a total of 36 species. Oh, and geese. There were tons of geese too flying up and down, whirling, twirling, to-ing and fro-ing. I have a video for another day with sound....


Since last week a platform at the end of the loop had a lovely eagle statue added, which can be seen from the Thruway and some of the other ponds. Really nice.



Male Northern Shoveler

Female Northern Shoveler

Tomorrow I will tell you a little story about this.



And about the one-legged Ring-billed Gull.....Photos without labels are usually mine.....

4 comments:

ellie k said...

Do you eat the ducks or are they a breed that is hunted?

lisa said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful day.

Anonymous said...

Oh! i HAVE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!! Finally found you in an email. I have moved to Northfield Minnesota.. known for St Olaf Choir, Carleton college and the last bank Jessie James Robbed. I have missed your blog, but have been so bombarded with everything since moving. THANK YOU for sending me the email and will you add me to the blog list again...Love your blog, it is like going home. The pictures are wonderful ....Love and Blessings Merri McEolderry

threecollie said...

Ellie, we just go to see them and take pictures. People do hunt there during the season, but not us.

Lisa, it was amazing!

Merri, oh, so glad to see you again. Glad you enjoyed reading. I can't add you though, you have to add yourself, alas. Sorry