There’s little to love about November. I mean really, what’s to like about dark, gray, cold days that will only get colder and darker? And not even any snow to make things pretty to look at. Jeez.
However.
Nature abides. Like the Dude, Nature is always there. And like the Dude, it always puts a smile on my face.
Watching and looking for birds has given me great excuses to get out in the cold and damp these past few days, and I may be even starting to see the beauty in my least favorite month. It’s not July, but when I can watch critters like these, I can’t complain.
There were 28 Wood Ducks at a nearby pond yesterday. I’d never seen even one male Wood Duck, so to see a whole gaggle of them was incredible.
A couple of days ago I followed a pair of Bald Eagles around a lake as they stalked the coots and mallards and snow geese that were resting on their way south.
There were a few shorebirds still hanging out, as well. I think this is a Greater Yellowlegs, but I can’t really see his yellow legs to be sure.
A Common Loon had some important news to share.
I even saw a Great Horned Owl. He was not, however, willing to show his face in a photograph. See him there, behind the tree? That’s some good camouflage.
So I guess you’re OK after all, November.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Wood ducks are so exquisite that I sometimes think they must be carved and painted decoys, they are so perfectly marked. And loons! I never run into them, thanks for posting.
They don’t look real, that’s for sure. Actually, I’d love to find an old wood duck decoy someplace – a good junk shop hunting goal! Thanks.
Fabulous pictures of the wood ducks! Wow.
Thanks.
The wood ducks are my favorite birds. I’ve only seen one in real life. Beautiful photos. The loon comment made me smile.
It was pretty surprising to see so many of them together! Thanks for the visit.
Nice! You’ve had a helluva week! (Or week-ish?) Did you have more time with the Great Horned than the lack of facetime implies? The wood duck spotting is awesome too, but owls have my heart. Thanks for sharing your photos.
These are some incredible shots. Those wood ducks almost look fake; I’ve never seen one.
As for the snow, I believe it’s on its way, if not already in your area.
They do look fake, don’t they? And yes, the snow – and cold – has arrived!
I’ve been catching up on your blog tonight and am transported. I experienced the fall bird migration here; thank you. And it’s past time to get our tent out again. So much to be grateful for out there. Thank you.
What a nice comment; I sure appreciate it.