It was the week of Christmas and I was out for a walk at Roosevelt Wetlands. I wasn’t expecting to see too much. Fall migration was mostly over and the winter ducks may not have arrived yet but you never know. I first saw a coot. They look like common moorhens but they have a white beak instead of a red one. They are only visiting for the winter.
I found a lone female northern shoveler hanging out with some blue-winged teals.
The ring-neck ducks are common here in the winter and are a tight group.
Monarchs can be found here all year round.
A surprise painted bunting was hanging out by the back fence. This was the first time I have seen one at this park. He was shy and stayed hidden in the bushes most of the time I was there.
A yellow-rumped warbler was getting a snack.
Walking to the other end of the wetlands, just me and my shadow.
As I walked back towards my car the infamous male northern harrier flies right over me head. I was beginning to think I wouldn’t see him on this visit.
All of a sudden another bird flies toward him. At first I thought it was a kestrel that had been flying by earlier.
When they passed each other I realized the other bird was a sharp-shinned hawk. They are not very common here and this was my first time seeing one. I wished I had paid more attention and gotten some better shots of him.
It was beautiful morning out.
