The Mandarin Duck we all had come to see was very cooperative as was the sun for a few shots to highlight its really magnificent plumage.
Our native Wood Duck may be the closest US waterfowl from the exotic plumage perspective.
But the Mandarin definitely has the Wood Duck beat.
Switching from waterfowl, our group also had great looks at American Coot
Barred Owl sunning itself out in the open
A first year Coopers Hawk hoping for an afternoon meal.
Great Blue Heron
One of the Park's wintering Northern Saw-Whet Owls was just about visible.
This was the kind of view we were hoping for.
The same occurred with a Great Horned Owl that kept itself pretty hidden, unlike this bird that I was able to find out in the open
Another comparison in waterfowl, the Mandarin Duck here versus another beautiful North American species we found on our walk back, the Northern Shoveler
Northern Shoveler males disputing water rights.
Mandarin Duck in line with our very common Mallard.
Male and Female Northern Shovelers.
