American Wigeon/Wild Bird

Male American wigeon (Anas americana)

At least one large flock of American wigeons spent the winter on the north side of Lake Ontario. My husband and I could see them out in the lake but Friday was the first time I was able to get this close. Isn't the male handsome in his breeding feathers?

Side view of male

American wigeons are nice looking dabbler ducks but they are not always nice. They sometimes steal vegetation from diving ducks when the divers come up to the surface.

Female

Wigeons are most often seen in marshes and wet grasslands.

I am joining Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE

Late Winter Beauty/Our World

Creek on a bright, sunny March morning

Some of my most favourite photos are taken this time of year when the air is crisp and clear. Soon most of the snow and ice will be gone and another kind of beauty will emerge.

Cattails and phragmites casting shadows

True the colours are not bright as in summer, but that's part of the challenge I love. And yes, it is sometimes very cold...but not always. Besides, you can dress for the cold, really you can!

Ice crystals on twig

And sometimes beautiful surprises float right into view.

More photos from Our World can be seen by clicking HERE.