dragoness_e | Birds at the Park, January 31 (Reply)

Our cygnets have almost grown up, and there are hints that spring is not far away.

We spent some time trying to find the three cygnets. I was away last week, but heard that two of the cygnets were seen being chased off by an adult black swan. While searching for the cygnets, we took note of quite a few ducks, wild and domestic, and some other signs of spring.

Buff Ducks

A previously noted domestic mallard breed.

Mallard (left) and Northern Shovelers (right)

Finally got a closer picture of a pair of the shovelers (male and female to right); they were hanging out under one of the cypresses. Usually the shovelers are far out in the middle of the pond; they're wild and shy. The bills are distinctive and give them their name.

Lazy Nutria

These guys were sacking out under the other side of the same cypress.

Cayuga Duck

This is a Cayuga, another domestic mallard breed.

Sign of spring: female Goldfinch

I'm pretty sure this is a female Goldfinch. I also saw a bluebird at work the other day, so at least the birds think spring is on the way.

Adult Black Swan, preening

Back over near where we were parked, we finally found the cygnets. They've grown up just a bit.

Three grown-up cygnets

The feather color is the only thing distinguishing the trio from full-grown adults. Note how much redder the bills are now.

Cygnet, showing red bill