Horned Grebe

This little guy stopped off at my lake last week on his way from the Atlantic coast to western Canada. I'd never seen one before and, based on his lack of fear of me, I'd say I may have been his first up-close sighting of a human being. His plainer and more common cousin, the Pied-billed Grebe, would never have tolerated me being so close. This Horned Grebe is in mid-molt. He'll end up looking like this for the breeding season.

Common Mergansers

These beauties are the largest and maybe the toughest catch of the three varieties of mergansers we get on our lake. This shot is from a couple of months ago, just before they flew the coop. More mergansers here.

Wood Duck Posse

That fourth bird is the lone female in a flotilla of eight to ten courting Wood Ducks.

Today's the day my reconfigured new computer comes home. And then tomorrow I have to go away for a long weekend... But I should be back to full force posting soon.

Bufflehead Drake

'Nother bird.

Pileated Woodpecker

I've been gunning for this guy for years. Could be closer but I'll take it.

Wood Ducks

Double-crested Cormorants

These bad boys can catch some fish. And, yes, it's still snowing here. Better large.

Sexy Time

Common Mallards. Another typical scene is a bonded pair under chase from a second male.