When you let Ozzie out and the ducklings are right out back it’s hard to resist going back in for your camera. And as you watch you spot a dark bird on the far side of the lake and take some photos of him also, and try to figure out what exactly he is.
My first thought was Glossy Ibis because his back shone iridescent in the sunlight, and I was right, but I didn’t realize how red their heads can be. Another bird I hadn’t seen on the lake before. It took a while to notice the Tri-color Heron out there.
But it was the ducklings that Ozzie and I mostly enjoyed. And you see how terrified of Ozzie they were. 
My efforts to see the cranes as they leave in the morning have backfired. Oh I see them as they crest the hill and come into view…
But each time I’ve been waiting for them they haven’t continued onto the pond behind mine, and I suspect that it was my presence that sent them scurrying up the street. And, sure enough, I walked Ozzie this morning the cranes were at that pond, and probably had been there a while enjoying it since it was well after sunrise. As much as I like to get nice photos I really don’t want to disturb them so I guess I’ll try to resist stalking them.
And when you are out back watching duckling and other creatures it can almost be a surprise to see the crane family returning after their day’s adventures. Another day drawing to a close…
A Snowbird's Life Through the Lens 