Freezing temperatures for quite some time have frozen over the Magothy River. The ice can be seen heading out towards the Chesapeake Bay. But a small patch of water remained, where many ducks, geese and swans found refuge.
I had brought some corn to share with my feathered friends, and throwing it on the ice, the fun began. The mass invasion of Canada geese came in one at a time. Then several at a time. Taking a running start for take off, then a special dance for an ice landing.
Now for the Ice Landing Dance. Left foot, right foot, now both. Try it again. Left foot, right foot…
Even the mallard ducks joined in.
Not to be bested, a solitary Tundra Swan had to try the ice landing dance.
The black ducks? Well, they just sat there and laughed at everyone.
Can’t blame them as I was laughing along with them. Hope you’ve managed to stay warm this wintery weekend.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
The swan has the best landing, the whole “uh huh uh huh this is how it’s done uh huh” with the whole neck waving lol!
That is so funny ! He totally had that attitude!
Beautiful photographs and a great commentary on all the fun. I’ll bet it didn’t feel quite so cold with all the excitement around you.
It really didn’t feel all that cold in the 22 degree weather. I was sitting on the ground. Got cold after about 1/2 an hour though.
Gorgeous captures! They are a little silly trying to land or just walk on the ice, slipping and sliding. 🙂
I have so much fun watching them Donna. I do feel for them, but laughter gets in the way. 😉
I could hear them “quack-quack-quack” tee hee…
Oh these guys are noise. quack-quack-quack doesn’t cut it. It’s more like HONK-HONK-HONK!!
Glorious captures! 🙂
Thank you so much Joanne ! I really enjoyed being out.
They are dancing!!!
They are Rebecca. It was an ice party out there, everyone all disco dancing.
I just love this photograph Emily, couldn’t have timed it any better (mouth opened, feet poised and wings spread ready for a perfect spin around the pond. Should be part of advertising for ice skating competition (Olympics perhaps)!
It’s like he’s saying AAACCCKKK ! I hope I don’t crash! Thanks Mary, I had so much fun with this series.
Poor birds – but there is some comedy in watching birds try to land on ice – ha!
I am amazed how birds survive such harsh conditions. Then they go and fly 1,000’s of miles. Go figure. Remind me not to be reincarnated as a bird.
I agree with you – maybe as a cat would be better 🙂
Wonderful photos, Emily. Loved the ice dancers. I also think the swan was the star of the show. Thanks for the smiles. 🙂 xx
Truly a pleasure Sylvia. You probably wouldn’t see this in Florida. 😉 Agreed, the swan definitely had his mojo on.
just love the dancer image
Thank you so much Diana. Yes, plenty of action for a bit. Then they quiet down. Throw more corn out and it starts again. 🙂
have now looked at all of them – such action
Very beautiful, as much as I love to see birds on ice, I do feel sorry for them at this time of year.
I do too Donna. The least I could do is give them a little bit of food. They appreciated it most certainly.
I wish I could look that graceful when I am slipping on the ice. Wonderful, fun shots and I loved your commentary and captions.
Me too Mike ! I got out of the car yesterday right onto some black ice. Oops !! Thankfully I was holding onto the car door so didn’t get hurt.
Thrilled that you enjoyed this post. I had fun with it.
These are fabulous! I definitely wouldn’t be so graceful, but I’d have fun with it trying to land on the ice that is. 😉 I love the shot of them all coming at you, the movement is evidence that you’re the target and I like that. But the dances with ducks is pretty fantastic too. Great set of shots all in all.
No way would I be graceful either. I had so much fun watching them that day. Went back last week and it wasn’t nearly as exciting. Perhaps next time.
I guess you’re lucky you got the day you did! 😀