Monday, November 22, 2010

Lake Birds - Late Fall

Last week, on one of the cold, but bright and sunny days we had, I had a chance to spend a few minutes down by the lake.  There was practically no wind, and the lake was clear and about as smooth as I have seen it.
It was very quiet.  There were no songbirds in the woods by the shore, no swans, black or white, and not even very many people enjoying the view.

But, the Mallard Ducks were still there in force.  The cold didn't seem to bother them, as they floated serenely.
Played splash in the water
Preened and groomed

And, maybe, practiced flapping their wings for a trip further South.
But, they weren't the only birds by the lake that day.  The Sea Gulls were out in force.  They're brash fellows, not shy at all, and one of them let me get quiet close.
His only comment, a somewhat exasperated "You lookin' at me?

11 comments:

Vicki Lane said...

Love that last photo!

My Mind's Eye said...

Good morning Louise....
Lovely pictures and very tranquil.

We are so glad to hear you've been helping the horses get ready for winter.

The birds at our feeders have been eating more than Madi...LOL and trust me that is a lot.

Hugs Madi and Mom

Janet said...

Love the photos- I could almost hear the mallards before I scanned down and saw them ! they are such characters !

Cindi said...

great pics....I love watching birds..thx for sharing

Upupaepops said...

Oh Louise that last photo of the gull is perfect

TexWisGirl said...

Oh I LOVED those mallard photos! Just gorgeous colors and clarity! But then that gull stold the show!!! :)

Wonderful!

Lori Skoog said...

Louise...this was a great series of photos. I love the lake. We are so lucky to live near it.

Inger said...

Ducks are such common birds that one might not notice their beauty. But you have captured it perfectly in these pictures. Great job, Louise.

Terry said...

I love the photo of the drake "standing" in the lake.

Liesl said...

Lovely pics,I love the way you captured the story of birdlife by the Lake...

Judith said...

Great photos. I wish I lived closer to water.