Anus rubripes is the scientific name for the American Black Duck. “rubripes” means red or ruddy-coloured foot

Mallards also have this characteristic:

Species list: trumpeter swan, Canada goose, mallard, American black duck, ring-billed gull, rock pigeon, blue jay, house sparrow, northern cardinal, American goldfinch, dark-eyed junco, white-throated sparrow, song sparrow.  (13 species)

Some botany on this 3 degree, rainy morning:

Today’s group with two dog-walkers who were escorting adorable dogs:

Park scenes:

NATURE POETRY

November, month of mornings misty-bright
With golden light:
Month when the many-tinted leaf
Lies thick upon the moss below;
While to and fro
The breezes moan, as if in grief.   – Mortimer Collins (1827–76)

Miles Hearn