As you can imagine, I’m thrilled it’s duck season once more. One of my favorite haunts is at a least suspecting place which is smack-dab right in the middle of the Nation’s Capital. Yep, there is a large pond located on “The Mall” of Washington D.C. at Constitution Gardens.
Early winter several species of wild ducks come in and enjoy this man-made pond which is growing a good habitat for these dabbling and diving ducks. In fact, I happened to notice fish in the pond today which I really didn’t expect. I’ve been wanting to photograph the ducks on this pond while there was still some autumn leaves on the surrounding trees.
Luckily I managed to squeeze some time in before Thanksgiving hit and spent just a paltry two hours there awaiting for the ducks to become accustomed to my presence. Even though people walk around the pond all the time, the ones the ducks mind are those that sit and stare at them with big shiny lenses.
The ones that are willing to come closer are of course the mallards, and if you bring (eeh gads) bread for them, they’ll come rushing for a handout. I’ve brought healthier corn for them, but they have no idea what to do with it. Secondly, the flock of Northern Shovelers like to forage along the island and have a few in-water perches that they enjoy. It took a while, but finally they began to ignore me and swam right past.
There are other species of ducks there including Gadwalls, Ring-neck ducks and even a stray American wigeon was there.
I had heard about a resident Red-tailed hawk and have seen some marvelous captures of him last winter dining on a squirrel. To my pleasant surprise, the hawk was there today front and center on a low tree on the island. Not caring one bit about the four tourists that stood close by looking at him. I watched him with his keen eye and swoop off to catch a squirrel….only to miss.
It was pretty darned awesome for a short visit and I can’t wait until I can return again.
Emily Carter Mitchell ~ Nature as Art 
Great work Emily!
Thank you so much Jack
Spectacular captures Emily, particularly given your short time visiting them – love that one of the duck landing!
Thank you so much Joanne. Thrilled they are here.
OMG you are the best Beautiful. I’m in luv with you & ur work!!! Keep doing your magic….you are soring Girl !!! 🙂
I love raptors. Great shot. Happy Thanksgiving.
Same to you as well Lisa. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Glad you got to see the hawk. I am afraid I am guilty of feeding bread to ducks. Shame, shame, shame! 😣
I know..those duck lovers might come and get you Fatima. 😉
Oh that duck in flight with the water sparkling! Gorgeous.
I was out birding yesterday – eagle(s), ospreys, pelicans, etc. This one pelican was trying to catch lunch and this seagull kept landing on its head to try and get a bite – that pelican guarded its catch. Beautiful photos – love the action shots 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy!
Renee ! Hey ! You’re in Florida now right? I’m in Naples this week. Any where near you?
I am about 2 to 3 hours North of Naples. Enjoy Florida 🙂
Oh darn. Ok
If we were closer to each other I would certainly take some time off and go photographing with you. That would be so COOL!!!
I was halfway up your way today Renee. Made it to Cape Coral for the burrowing Owls. So adorable !!
I would love to explore Cape Coral more – have to do that and take a long weekend. Have done a short stay in Fort Myers. I am fortunate we have plenty of birdlife right here in the Tampa Bay area.