Solitary Spotted Sandpiper

It's always so fun running across an unexpected bird.  It was a treat to spot this spotted sandpiper and get a few pictures of him.

You can tell it is breeding season for him by the clearly visible spots on his belly and his orange beak.

Note the big, round tummy on this one, and the white streak above the eye.  These are typical features of the spotted sandpiper.  

They are often a solitary wanderers on the shores rivers and ponds.

Pelican Serenity

I took these pictures on a chilly, overcast day, as two pelicans were swimming between the bands of shadow cast by the walls of a canal.  I like their serenity in the midst of "troubled" waters.

Canada Goose - Branta Canadensis

Here is a Canada goose.

Sometimes they are informally called Canadian Geese.

The term "branta" from their scientific name, Branta canadensis, refers to the prominent black coloring that waterfowl in this species have.

Male Red-winged Blackbird

I'm on a roll with these redwings!  Here is another:

All dressed up in his fancy duds!

This one was photographed at Pigeon Creek Park in Bettendorf, Iowa.  This park is unknown to many residents and is a hidden gem, tucked away is it is behind some industrial businesses.  But what a lovely place to take a walk along a relatively undisturbed stretch of the river.

Female Red-winged Blackbird

It is always a special thrill to get a good shot of a female red-winged blackbird.  They are very coy and I was so happy this picture turned out!

The females are the nest builders.  They secure their cup-shaped nests to branches and defend them against all comers.  They may be drab in color compared to their male counterparts, but they are just as fabulous on the hunt and in caring for their nestlings.