It was so windy here today, I don't know how this poor duck kept his equilibrium. He's a Redhead Duck (Aythya americana), and they're winter visitors here. (Left click on the photo to see him better). I tried to get a photo of a female, but they kept diving underwater. There are ducks underwater all around him; I think that and the horrible Santa Ana winds worked together to make a very interesting water pattern. I'm always intrigued by the water patterns I see when I've uploaded my photos. I don't really see them when I'm taking the photo because the water is shifting so fast...and, if I look at it too long I get dizzy and fall in! Not a bad thing to do in the summer (well, a little embarrassing), but you definitely don't want to fall in any lake up here during the winter. Right now, the water temperature of Lake Arrowhead is 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Brrrrr!
How lovely that you have such colourful visitors,to come & see you, they will certainly brighten up your walk.
ReplyDeleteVictoria - He is gorgeous. At first when I saw him I thought he can't be real. We don't have any ducks here that are that color. Thank you for capturing such a lovely bird. Also glad you didn't fall in! (LOL)
ReplyDeleteSeriously Victoria, you have the most incredible creatures in your world!
ReplyDeleteWhen I look at the photos of the wild visitors to the right of your blog, I am amazed - and envious - of these gorgeous beings. My breath would be constantly taken away.
And, this beautiful boy is no exception! What a stunner! That perfectly rusty-red head set off by the silver-grey and charcoal. And his eyes are hypnotising. Mother Nature is an artist.
There is something incredibly mesmerising about staring into deep water. It pulls at the subconscious - like looking into a crystal ball. Still or moving, like the water in your photo, there is magic within.
Thank you for sharing.
Blow a kiss to Mrs Rose when you see her next :)
Such a handsome fellow!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for them, Barbara.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, the first time I saw one of these ducks I thought there was something wrong with their eyes, like an infection or something. :D
Oh, Vicki, you have amazing creatures in your world, too; kangaroos, koala bears and I'm sure there are many more. Even though I see these animals fairly regularly, the experience never fails to fill me with gratitude and awe...and a little "oh boy, I hope they're not hungry" if it's a bear or mountain lion!
Vicki L, the next time I see him (or one of his kin) I'll pass along your message.