February 13 – My Nature Journal
2025-02-13 Nature Journal
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Today was a huge and exciting day in that I spotted Ring-necked Ducks for the very first time in my life.
This small group of Ring-necks were foraging in a narrow inlet of a lake where I like to walk. I first spotted them from some distance away—too distant to realize what they were but close enough that I could tell they weren’t Mallards.
As I approached, I realized they represent a totally new species for me, and one that I’ve been trying to find in the wild for years. What luck!
The males are so distinctive, easy to identify, and striking.
The females are just as beautiful, if much more subtle.
I love all my wild animals, and my favorite wild animal is usually the one I’m photographing at any given time.
But I must confess to a real soft spot for Ring-necked Ducks.
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Soon after I left the Ring-necked Ducks, I encountered this Mallard pair dabbling and head-dipping in extremely shallow, muddy water.
They alternated keeping watch and foraging; one would duck its bill into the water and concentrate on catching whatever tasty morsels they stirred up while the other kept its head raised and eyes on their surroundings.
But I stayed still, silent, and patient and eventually, both paused and looked straight at me at the same time.
I just love this photo. I try not to anthropomorphize but sometimes I just can’t stop myself. The poses of these Mallards strike me as both quizzical and rather annoyed.
I can almost hear them saying “Can we help you with something?”.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
This Eastern Gray Squirrel was clearly a squirrel on a mission.
It darted directly across my path carrying a mouthful of leaves and pine needles and scampered about five feet straight up this large pine tree. Then it paused, and looked directly at me before resuming its dash up to his nest-in-progress.
Double-crested Cormorant
Nannopterum auritum
This juvenile Double-crested Cormorant was taking a break from diving for fish and was perched quite close to the nature trail.
Like many Double-crested Cormorants, this one held its ground. It didn’t appear concerned about my presence at all, nor with the clicking sound of my shutter releasing as I snapped its picture.
Today’s Nature Journal Snapshot
|
Time of Day |
Early afternoon |
|
Setting |
Large lake |
|
Temperature |
62° F / 17° C |
|
Weather |
Partly sunny |
|
Humidity |
43% |
