Fine Feathers

"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds." ~ Aesop

I consider myself very fortunate to live just steps away from a beautiful park with walking paths and a pond. It's home, breeding ground and stopover for many different species of animals - particularly birds. A brisk walk around the pond only takes about ten minutes but I often find myself taking closer to a half hour to make the circuit because looking for, enjoying and snapping photos of wildlife takes time.

A couple of days ago, I stepped outside my door and onto the sidewalk which leads to the park. I walked about three steps and looked down to see a dead Mourning dove. It wasn't bloody or twisted. It actually looked rather peaceful, but a semi-busy sidewalk was not a suitable final resting place for any creature. I returned home, got a small bag, collected the dove and brought it with me into the park where I was able to give it a more dignified location beneath some brambles.

I removed it from the bag, and before I placed it in the snow, I opted to pluck one of its tail feathers to add to this beautiful feather keeper which Ellen so kindly gifted to me a few months ago.

As I continued walking, I heard the familiar "chip" sound of a Cardinal and I paused to look up to see if I could locate him by his brilliant red plumage.

It turns out that it was this more subtle, young cutie who was doing the calling. I think the female Cardinal with all her hues of gold and red is even more beautiful than the male.

Before I ventured much further, I could hear and see what I thought was a large flock of sparrows occupying the branches of a tree. I nearly kept on walking but something rosy caught my eye.

I moved in for a closer look and saw a number of these little sweeties. I wasn't sure what I was looking at and needed to check with a bird identification website. Even then, I wasn't positive so I turned to my other birding resource and he confirmed that this was indeed a House finch. I don't think I've ever seen one before.

I wandered down to the pond which was filled with dozens of Mallards. Typically, they're calm and reasonably quiet emitting a steady stream of murmurs and occasional quacks.

Every now and then one of them get a bit territorial and a fight ensues. This noisy altercation lasted for about one minute. Water splattered everywhere, and other ducks swam off to allow them enough space.

Eventually, they parted and each continued on as if nothing had happened.

Except for this proud fellow who declared himself winner and still champion.

I had nearly forgotten that I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the Wood duck who tends to spend his time with our Mallards. I was scanning the pond when I heard his tell-tale high pitched kind of whistle.

He swam right into my view finder. Thanks, Woodrow! I took about two dozen photos of him and I'll probably share more of them another time but for now, I hope you enjoy this picture of a most handsome fellow.