During our last visit to
Lake of the Lilies
we did not see the Wood Ducks.
In fact, we did not see any ducks...where have they all gone?
There are usually at least 50 ducks, primarily Mallards, in the lake,
we did not see even one of the usual suspects.
However, there was some excitement...
These are males.
They are small, bizarrely shaped diving ducks, with a large head and a small bill.
The males have large crests, that can be flattened or fanned.
According to my book, they are here year round but I only see them during the winter.
The Hooded Mergansers swim way out in the center of the lake,
I was not even sure these were Mergansers when I took the pictures.
Sleeping ducks, Lesser Scaups on the left, Male Greater Scaup on the right.
There was only one Mute Swan in the entire lake...
and a lot of beautiful sparrows in this tangled shrub at the entrance to the lake.
Sharing today's images with Eileen at
Viewing Nature With Eileen
for Saturday Critters
So great to read about you seeing "Hoodies"! Although it is not their usual turf, I've been seeing them here at the. river!! We're too far North (or I thought we were anyway) but they are a delight to watch...:)jp
ReplyDeleteWe get the Hoodies here in winter and they tend to stay far from shore. They're beautiful ducks for sure! Isn't it odd how creatures just seem to disappear at times?
ReplyDeleteI’ve seen Hooded Mergansers. Such interesting birds. Love those little sparrows too. I find sparrows hard to identify. There are so many of them too.
ReplyDeleteThe Mergansers are so odd and fun to see! As always you took amazing photos....even the little birds are very sweet! Enjoy your weekend! We woke up to a few sprinkles. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHello Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThe Hooded Mergansers is one of my favorite ducks, I like their "crest". Cute shots of the Scaups tucked in and the beautiful swan. Great collection of birds and photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend!
Wow that is weird, maybe they switched homes for awhile :) Isn't it something how some like to stay close to shore and others are happy way out in the center. I love the sparrows sunning themselves in those shrubs, gorgeous pics!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I love your close-ups! You are so lucky to have a place to go where you can be reasonably sure to see something interesting to photograph! Here on the Island luck plays a big part in my experiences.💖
ReplyDeletethanks susan, i am lucky in every sense of the word. i always see a lot of wildlife at this lake and also at home at my bird feeding station. i thought you had a blog, but was not able to find one. send me the link if you do, i would love to visit!!
DeleteI do really like those Hooded Mergansers.
ReplyDeleteThose Mergansers are fascinating ducks.
ReplyDeleteSuch great pics! You even make the Sparrows seem so special and they are creatures we see all the time.
ReplyDeleteI love Mergansers. They look so elegant. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! Thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteLove the inmaes of the Hoodies Debbie
ReplyDeleteYou've got some great photographs here :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Amazing photos of the birds. I do love the little Sparrows. The photos of the Hooded Mergansers are beautiful and thanks for describing what they are like. I always love the ones of the swans. I do find that interesting you didn't see any ducks.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs!