Green-winged Teal Still Around

My youngest boy decided he want to take a scooter ride around Lake Davis. Right when the temps began to hit 90. Sigh.

Oh, well. Think of the boy. Plus, he knows I am going to drag the camera along so, let's go.

Not a lot out right now as migration winds down but I did want to count some shorebirds and see if the Green-winged Teal might still be around. A pair of Lesser Yellowlegs are still there making this the longest that shorebirds have stuck here. I am sure that the low lake level is contributing to it, somewhat.

We were almost all the way around when I, indeed, spotted the teal. I like how the light shifts and sometimes makes the green patch on the wing appear blue.



She really is a pretty thing.



Here you can see the green really well.



The lady who lives across the street threw out some corn but no other ducks really seemed interested. Even though the teal appeared to nibble, she was more interested in shifting things from the mud.



Check out one of the many Mallard ducklings. Really growing fast!



Then this little one decided to leave the water and walk right up to me.



An all-around 'ducky' little stroll.

House Finch of a Different Color

Had to hang around the house as we had some construction going on. It was a cloudy day and I eventually had to wander out to the grocery store. As I neared the end of the driveway, I noticed a pair of bird on the wires and heard an interesting call. Wasn't sure of the species right away but I ran inside to grab the camera.

The more colorful bird seemed different to me, as did the song. With the poor light it was hard to determine the birds ID but the duller bird did seem like a House Finch. I know House Finch vocalizations but this was different.

Looking at the photos later, though, revealed that it was, indeed, a House Finch. But orange!



Most are red, some yellow. Never had an orange one before. Cool.



On the way to the store I saw our oddly plumed Mallard was finally close to shore for once. I have been wanting to get a shot for my records.



Heading home, I swung through the cemetery to check up on the Bald Eagle nest. One adult was in the nest but no sign of chicks yet.



Just another day in the neighborhood.