Four Legged Critters, Ducks, Herons and Other Birds Of The Vermilon River.

The weather has been strange indeed with a return to hot,sultry days with high winds, and today a return to cooler weather. I expect we caught a piece, although a very moderate one of the Hurricane Issac. This hike is mainly on the west side of the River in the big wetland and then south. On the cool days Boom was with me, although I don't take him on the west side of the River very often, There are just two many other dogs running free. I thought the scene opposite, in colouring at least, was very old Masters' Flemish.

All these shots are of the big wetland which is the size of a small lake. Shooting here is difficult in intense sun as the birds crowd the opposite side, and the glare is heavy The green reflection makes it hard to focus on auto or manual. I was thinking maybe a polarizering filter would help. Any ideas? I have one for the 18-55mm lens and find it quite handy.

REMEMBER CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE AND ACTIVATE THE SLIDE SHOW.

Notice how quickly the leaves are turning. I think part of that is the lack of rain earlier.As I said in an earlier post ours is a golden forest in the fall. Only the pin cherries, blueberries and a few maple turn red.

A post to I'd-Rather-Be-Birdin' Our World Tuesday and Wild Bird Wednesday Click anyone to be redirected.

Looking south.

Showing the trail

Another weak sun

Ducks flying in tandem with water reflection.

Mallard in flight.

Geese in flight.

Wood Ducks.

Female Wood Duck

Male Wood Duck

In Flight.

Female Wood Duck

Landing.

Wood Duck

Wood Duck taking off.

Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Chickadee.

Sparrow in reeds

Song Sparrow

 Great blue Heron.

"Hello" said the River Otter.

"Goodbye" said the River Otter.

I saw something brown crossing the trail from the River to the wetland., so we hurried and the previous two close ups were the result. The rest of the shots are long range shots of the Otter playing in the River wetland on the trail.

Frolicking Otter

Talking Otter

I was out at the east track beaver pond as well. I saw a brown lump on a mud bank while I was shooting another beaver. There's an old saying " if it walks and quacks like a duck...."

He finally turned a little.

As we moved on, the trail narrows moving more closely to the River. Boom went all alert and grunted as is his wont. In answer from the tree came a growl, and some hissing. Moving Boom from my front, I moved forward to see three raccoons  moving up the tree.

They been in the River probably feeding on freshwater clams. No wonder they were upset, we'd disturbed them at lunch.

The dry raccoon.

The third raccoon

The wet raccoon.

As I said in the previous post, the forest clearings are bursting with wild sunflowers. I have some in my garden,not only because they attract the birds, but also in winter they provide perches for the migrants and stop them from hitting my windows.

Sunflowers in mist.

A full clump

"Wood ducks in flight" was supposed to be with the others above. Blogger is not quite up to par yet.

Several people mentioned Boomer. If you want to know more Boom  just click this link Boomer's Story