An American Wigeon / Col Sam Smith Park: January 17, 2019

Everyone was bundled upon this -8 degree morning which had moments of light snow.

Many duck species were present with the highlight being a lone American Wigeon who was associating with a group of Gadwall;

American Wigeon (male) with Gadwall

American Wigeon (male) with Gadwall

We see Mallards and Gadwall here all year. This pair of Mallards were busily moving their necks up and down to “imprint” on each other.

Here is a large group of mostly Gadwall with a few Mallards:

and a group of Gadwall swimming in single file:

Mute Swan and Canada Geese are also here all year round:

Mute Swan
Canada Goose

Here are some of the “winter ducks” who were present:

Red-breasted Merganser (male)
Greater Scaup
Greater Scaup
Common Goldeneye

Other sights:

Phragmites (Phragmites australis)
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Pebbles

and some of the “land” birds:

Mourning Doves
Northern Cardinal (male)
Northern Cardinal (female)
American Goldfinch
Cardinal (female), House sparrow (male) and Downy Woodpecker (male)

NATURE POETRY

But Winter has yet brighter scenes—he boasts
Splendors beyond what gorgeous Summer knows;
Or Autumn with his many fruits, and woods
All flushed with many hues.                            

   – William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)

Miles Hearn

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