Whoa, Duck for Cover!

Ruddy Duck, non-breeding colors, Mission River Preserve. The ducks are back! Every fall about this time the migratory birds come down from Alaska and Canada to bask in our considerably warmer waters. They're not out in huge numbers but the migration has definitely started. There were ruddy ducks, brandts, stilts, plovers, buffleheads, willets, curlews, godwits and widgeons out lounging on the river muching on crustaceans, seaweed and whatnot. I saw a godwit take out a small crab. Fascinating sight. The bird actually took off the claws one at a time, eating each, and then gulped the carapace. They are smart little guys. Gosh but it's tough being on the lower rungs of the food chain!

Joy in the Little Things

The ducks are back! Meanwhile, Dad's got a firm hand on Junior's leg while Junior feeds the ducks and coots. Otherwise, Junior would probably dive right in! I remember when I was a kid and my parents would take me to the zoo to feed the pigeons. Yeah, they were just pigeons but it was a big thing back then and going to the zoo was free. Good, cheap, fun. We used to bring palm leaves for the petting goats from the Areca palm in the front yard too. Sometimes it's the little things that make life fun.

Northern Pintail

I saw this Northern Pintail, Anas acuta, at the Mission River preserve today. The ducks were out in force as they typically are during low tide. The seagulls were busy dropping clams on the pavement as well. Also, I finally saw an Avocet. It had me wondering how it helps gather food by having an upturned beak. It's fun being on the migratory route of so many birds.

Begging Duck

I dare say ducks are not above begging for a free handout. This one was no exception, as you can see by the hopeful look on his face.

Feeling Ducky

Managed to get a little case of the sniffles. Otherwise, just ducky. Talking about ducks, there are ducks here in the ponds. There were two sleeping on the WWII memorial, more still in the pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial and the Mall is full of, you guessed it, duck poop! Gotta watch where you step (grin). These two, however, were genuine San Diego Mallards from the pool in front of the Balboa Arboretum. Time to duck out and head to bed (heh).

Duck-isthenics

Saw this duck doing a deep stretch at the Wild Animal Park the other day. They spend a lot of time on their feet, perhaps most of the day, so a good stretch is obviously welcome. It reminded me of some of those yoga poses with one leg and an arm pointed off in some unnatural direction (owww).

Grouchy Duck

Every have one of those days when you just wanted everyone to leave you alone? This duck was looking like he'd just had enough of his feathered friends and just wanted to hang out on his sunny rock.

Mr. & Mrs. Mallard

Rumor is ducks pair for life. At least in Korea, they say that. They give newly wed couples a pair of carved wood ducks as a symbol of a lasting relationship. These two ducks, however, were part of a huge flock that were out lounging on the pond in what has turned into some cold, windy and rainy San Diego weather.