This and That

All me to introduce you to the Mallard x American Black Duck . This duck is a hybrid which basically means that a mallard and black duck mated and the duck on the left of the picture above is the end result. It took me forever to figure this out as I leafed through my Peterson Guide to not find any duck that looked like the one above. Google came to the rescue and I found out quite a bit about this particular breed of duck which is actually quite common. I also saw my first Green Winged Teal at this pond but was unable to get a decent picture. Another check on my list!

Here is the beloved Pileated Woodpecker. He was busy the whole time I was at the cemetery in Grafton. His mate could be heard throughout the wetlands and I was able to catch a glimpse of her before she flew off across the street.

I also met two birders while I was there which was very cool! I really need to get out there and meet some local birders as I am still really new at this. Perfect example was a bird flying up in the sky. I thought it was a Bluejay, but they knew straight off it was a hawk of sorts. We tried to get an identity, but it flew off too quickly. I would have still thought it was a Bluejay with my inexperienced eyes and ears. I think more experienced birders would teach me a lot this summer so need to break out of my comfort zone of birding alone and mingle a little. ;o)

Lastly a Mute Swan! The pictures came out rather dark due to the gray skies that were present at the time I took the picture. very pretty birds though.

I can't wait to go birding this weekend. Waterfowl are everywhere and I so want to see a Wood Duck! Happy Birding all!!!