Beautiful Birds on a Brilliant Morning

Beauty exists all around us. It may be nearer than you think. You just need to look.

A male Ring-necked Duck spreads his wings. Photo by the author.

I live in the Upper Midwest. This United States region is better known for a strong work ethic and agricultural production than spectacular landscapes and exotic wildlife.

Still, the outdoor world here abounds with beauty.

I hike and roam nearby forests, parks, and fields almost daily to photograph birds, mammals, and other wildlife. I often return to my favorite places. But today I decided to visit a new location.

I was well-rewarded.

A New Location

As I rode my bike around the west side of town several days ago, I spotted several types of ducks in a pond. The tall reeds that surrounded the pond would provide a photographer with cover to hide from the birds.

Male Northern Shoveler ducks. Photo by the author.

The weather this morning, mostly sunny with cool temperatures, was ideal for photography. So, I drove four miles to the pond and observed and photographed many species of birds.