It was in 1960 when Elvis popularized a song called "Wooden Heart" in a movie by the name of G.I. Blues. I don't think this was the kind of wooden heart he was singing about, but this downed tree trunk at Long Pond couldn't help but bring up the memory.
It also reminded me that it is Spring time and love is in the air for the ducks around all of the city ponds.
The ducks are pairing off and boldly walking across the roadways, searching the edges of the waterways and focusing all of their attention on proliferation at this time. With the help of a young bird enthusiast, there are six new hen nesting boxes placed in strategic places around the city. It will be interesting to watch to see if nesting ducks take up residency.
Most all birds are decked out in their best Easter frocks, especially the males in an attempt to attract their heart's desire. The beak is shining more brightly than ever and there is a definite twinkle in the eye. Some are transitioning into their breeding plumage. Others stay just as they are.
Even the most common duck looks special at this time. There is a swagger in the walk and a purposefulness beyond feeding.
The Northern Pintail does not change its plumage but it certainly looks very sharp at this time of the year. This striking duck seems to always stand out, year around.
It was on April 30, 2010 when this Garganey showed up at Mundy Pond last year for a one-day stay. That was something quite special to see. I wonder if we will see one this year or what other surprises Spring has in store for us.
I remember freezing in the cold temps and the blustery conditions of the day. Try as I might, I couldn't stay long. Today's weather will really get you. I got up to find at least 2 inches of snow on the ground and on my deck and more is falling. The feeder birds are flocking to the different feeders in my yard to fortify for the day.
For a few days we have had above freezing temperatures and most of the snow had gone. There were a couple of days when it was very pleasant to spend extended periods of time bird gazing. There is always something new to see, even with the birds observed everyday. This demure duck seems to be flirting. There will be more and more of this in the days to come.
The first photos that I got of baby ducks last year was on May 13 with the latest shot of ducklings taken toward the end of June. It won't be long now!
