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Apr032017

Squirrelly Attitude

Sticking with the featherless theme again for today’s post.  I try my best to be accommodating for my non-birder readers whenever I can. Having recently processed this set, figured there wasn’t a reason to let the chemicals dry before releasing them!

Back in February of 2015, I had the opportunity to visit my parents in Springfield IL.  The camera came with me in hopes of heading out to Washington Park to see what kind of ducks were hanging out in the ponds.  If you recall, the last time I was there a number of Wood Ducks made their happy way into the tin. (link here).  The Woodies were still there this trip, but a small bundle of fur ended up stealing the show.
Squirrel shot in Washington Park, Springfield IL February 2015
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a number of squirrels – like here and here.  A lot of those were taken out west, but a few of those also featured the Eastern Fox Squirrel (at least this is what I think this specimen is).  However, this little gal (again, a logical guess) was quite animated upon discovering the big glass of The Beast pointed directly at it.  It suddenly became very possessive of its recently discovered acorn.

“Ummm, you looking at me over there Mr. Puny-man!?!”
Squirrel shot in Washington Park, Springfield IL February 2015

Hit the jump to see what kind of attitude Mr. Squirrel brings today.

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Mar072015

Got Wood

I’m going to break from tradition of FIFO for a bit and execute a LIFO on my photography queue.  My brother is becoming quite the birding competitor requiring me to step up my game on the bird list front.  In the face of this stiff competition I’m forced to break from protocol and feature a recent addition to the North American Bird List Collection

Wood Duck at Washington Park in Springfield IL

This beautiful duck was shot in Washington Park in Springfield IL.  I was down there dealing with some family medical concerns and had the chance to head over to that park for a quick 10 mile training run.  Turns out the rolling hills in that park seemed to have grown in size since my last trips there as a kid.  By the time the 9th mile came the legs were considering an all out rebellion.  The last mile became a quest to find a distraction sufficient enough overcome the loud screams of torture at each footfall.  Opportunity knocks at the most interesting of times.

Wood Duck at Washington Park in Springfield IL

While crossing over a bridge I noticed a crap load of ducks and allies enjoying a small ice free area of a large frozen pond.  In the brief time they were in view it appeared that the occupants were predominantly Mallards and Canada Geese, but it looked like there were some outliers which are prime fodder for birders.  There was another mile to hammer out so unfortunately no time for a detailed scan.

Wood Duck at Washington Park in Springfield IL

Hit the jump to see a few more shots of this ornate Duck.

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