Mr. Mallard

Above is probably the most common duck in this area and a year-round resident. Consequently I often ignore them because they are so tame and ubiquitous. Nevertheless Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) of both genders are very attractive ducks. Above is a head and shoulders portrait of a Mallard drake.

Hard Landings

I visited Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary several times in the spring and summer so I decided to see what kinds of birds it had to offer at this time of year. The Inner Harbor is hosting flocks of Mergansers - both hooded and Common, American Wigeons, Buffleheads and lots of Mallards. I didn't see any Mergansers, Buffleheads or Wigeons at Swan Lake but there were plenty of Mallards being very charming and tame. I wonder why Mallards seem to be so much more trusting than other ducks that reside in human habitats? As well as the ubiquitous Mallards there were some Ring-necked Ducks and some American Coots. But the woods surrounding the lake seemed almost empty of birds in comparison to spring and summer when the Red-winged Blackbirds and other songbirds fill the air with their chirps and warbles. Most of the lake was covered with a thin sheet of ice as in the photo above.

Beacon Hill Park

Just across the street from South Park School is Beacon Hill Park, a favorite weekend walk of Victorians of all species, including this Mallard duck. His mate was nearby but was much too coy to allow a photograph. This, I promise, will be the last cherry tree in bloom you will see until next spring.