the best evenings

It seems each year I see more and more people actively interested in birds, seeking them out with binoculars and bird guide in hand.  Even folks who seem only to be strolling along are often intrigued and excited when they see others viewing one bird or another.  I read somewhere recently that bird watching is the second most common outdoor activity behind gardening.  That definitely seems true.

My husband and I went out the other evening in search of feathered friends, and we were not disappointed.  We share a small point and shoot style camera (although I'm always daydreaming about upgrading) which isn't great at catching birds at a distance, but Tim managed to get a few nice photos on our walk.  There were Mallard ducklings, our first of the season, Red-necked Grebes, scaups, a Sandhill Crane pair, a Green-winged Teal drake, dozens of gulls, Black-billed Magpies, Canada Geese, American Wigeons, and yellowlegs among others.  Below is a glimpse of those that photographed well.

Arctic Tern - they are such a joy to listen to and watch fishing, flying, or resting.

Gadwall pair

Gadwall drake - at first glance, they seem pretty plain, but check out the scallop look to their feathers.

Bald Eagle - chased into the tress by gulls, it stuck around preening and ogling the humans that were admiring it.  It may have been eyeing the waterfowl not far from its perch as well.

Even if they were as common as American Robins or Mallards, I'd always stop to admire an eagle.