Louisiana Belle: duck

Showing posts with label duck. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

In and Around the Lake

One of these days I will get caught up. I hope you have all been well. Recently, I decided that this will be a year for me to get out and meet more people, which means disengaging from the computer more often. I hate that, but after three years of mourning my mother's death, it's time. Past time.

These are some of the things I've been doing:

- joined a local photography club;

- took a photography class on advanced focusing techniques;

- attended an art exhibit;

- participated in a night photography workshop;

- volunteered for the "Paddle Patrol"...kayaking around Lake Martin to protect nesting birds;

- attended an astrophotography lecture and saw Comet Lovejoy through a massive telescope;

- this week there is a hummingbird lecture and tour + a field trip with my photography instructor;

- joined a Photography Meetup hosted by a local photography instructor.

In between all of that I have been taking photos. Before I can post though, I need to get caught up on 2014. Below are some November images I have not yet shared. All of these were taken at LSU Lakes.

Linking to

Monday, February 3, 2014

Alien Feet

A log barely jutting out of the water was a popular perch for a flock of American coots. Politely they took turns, clumsily climbing on and off in constant rotation. After I got the images loaded onto the computer, I noticed their feet. I was like 'huh?' Somehow they just don't go with the rest of the duck.

The American Coot is more closely related to Sandhill Cranes and Rails than mallards or teals. Although it swims with the ducks, it does not have webbed feet. Each of the coot's long toes has broad lobes of skin that help it kick through water. The lobes pull back each time the foot is lifted so it can walk on dry land and support its weight on muddy ground.

Everything has beauty,
but not everyone sees it.
Confucuis

Friday, January 31, 2014

More Mergansers

More of the hooded mergansers from the lake behind our State Capitol. I am so happy to learn that these are year-round residents here, though this is the first year I've seen them. More information may be found at allaboutbirds.org.

You aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy.
Garth Brooks

Linking with Weekend Reflections and Saturday's Critters.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Duck, Duck, Goose...Ibis

These are most of the waterfowl Double D and I saw on December 29th at the lake surrounding our State Capitol and Arsenal Park in downtown Baton Rouge. Some are in better focus than others because they were constantly in motion. Plus, they were pretty far from land, so major cropping!

Canvasback - male (a new lifer for me!)

Hooded Merganser - male (yeah, I know you've seen it already). I just have so many!

~~Canadian~~ Goose portrait. What I wouldn't give to have blue eyes like this!
If anyone can help ID this one, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, anvilcloud for the correction.

Ring-necked Duck - female

Ring-necked duck - male

Two pairs of male and female Wood Ducks

Lesser Scaup - female

Lesser Scaup - male

A "raft" of redheads (another lifer!)

An injured immature white ibis trying to hide on a low cypress limb.
He appeared to have a broken wing and looked very distressed.
I called animal control and within 15 minutes a deputy came out and tried to rescue him/her.
As it was nearing dark we all had to leave, but the deputy promised to come back the next day and check on him.
I love living in a state that truly cares for its wildlife. Later, I prayed that God would look after it.

Today would have been my mom's 75th birthday. I can't believe it's been almost two years since her death. I miss her more than I can put into words. I'd love to have one more chat with her and get her perspective on all the family drama happening right now. Mama, you were a doodle and we miss you so much.

God's tender mercies are over all his creatures.
Psalms 145:9

Participating in Weekend Reflections and Saturday Critters.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Hooded Mergansers

Double D and I went out to look for more bird species to add to our birding list the last Sunday of December. Once again, we didn't get what we were looking for, but came upon several species of ducks we had not seen before, such as the Hooded Merganser below.

Hooded Mergansers are diving ducks, looking mostly for crawfish, fish, and other food. Mergansers can actually change the refractive properties of their eyes to better spot prey underwater. They also use their transparent third eyelid or nictitating membrane like a pair of goggles to protect their eyes while underwater. Their feet are set too far back to make walking comfortable, but it's very useful for diving.

What happened to your mate? This one's taken sistah.

Dangit, where'd my mate go?

"Until we extend our circle of compassion to include every living creature we cannot enjoy 'World Peace'."
Albert Schweitzer

Linking up with I'd Rather B Birdin'. Thanks, Anni so much!!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Motley Crew

Greetings everyone! It's been a mushy, wet week here in Baton Rouge. The incessant rain coupled with a very bad cold has got me feeling pretty run down. I was so thankful to have my ipad (thanks, Dad & Darleen!) so I could keep up with your blogs on the couch or bed. The dogs sure have enjoyed all the snuggle time. Since I can't get out with my camera I went through some photos that I had not yet developed. Hope you enjoy and that you all are untouched by this terrible flu season.