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.

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.

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!!