Wood Ducks

While hiking at Old Reid/Kirby Preserve today, I spotted this Wood Duck pair.
I've observed Wood Ducks in this location several times over the years, and I suspect that they nest nearby.
What gorgeous ducks!!

Montgomery County Great Horned Owls

 We made the short drive to Montgomery County to see and photograph a Great Horned Owl nest .
Remarkably, this nest is in the open and is easily viewable. Apparently, it's been the site of a GHO nest for about 8 years. 

 

Lunar Eclipse

 I shot the Full Worm Moon Lunar Eclipse from midnight until 5:15 am. While I was using the Vaonis Vespera smart telescope, I also shot with my regular camera gear...the OM-i M2 and Zuiko 100-400mm lens. 
I much prefer the OM-1 images, as they show off the lovely red colors.
Here's a couple and a composite image with images from the main phases.  

A Pileated Woodpecker at Old Reid Park.

 

Great(er) Day for Ducks at Old Reid

 Some quackers from Old Reid this afternoon. The theme today was "Greater." We're starting to see a variety of ducks and geese move through as the ice melts. Of note today were Lesser Scaups and a single Greater Scaup. The Lesser Scaups have dark head feathers and a bit of a crest on the back of their head....whereas the Greater Scaup has green head feathers and a more rounded head. The Greater is not rare, but it is unusual to see one for me at Old Reid. Also saw the Greater White-Fronted Geese that Bill saw yesterday, and some Hooded Mergansers.

Greater Scaup on the left with a couple of Lesser Scaup

Greater Scaup wing flap.

Greater Scaup with a Scaup hen (unknown if Greater or Lesser).

Greater White-Fronted Geese.

Hooded Mergansers

Winter Landscapes

 

Horned Larks

Horned Larks can be seen in flocks along the berms of snowy roads.