The ongoing Pacific Mosoons have caused a few washouts, mudslides, and flooding. It has been ducky for the ducks, and it was a good time to check out a few duck ponds.

DUCK PARADE - The adult male Ring-necked Duck was still on my photo wish list despite many futile attempts at a decent photo. It may seem as easy as black and white, but that's exactly the problem. When shooting moving targets, there's no time for custom settings to deal with high contrast subjects. (excuses!, excuses!)

DIFFICULT SUBJECT - It's better when the subject is not in the direct sun which hasn't been a problem lately.

EASIER SUBLECT - The female Ring-necked may not be as distinctive as the male, but it is much easier to photograph.

REDISCOVERED SCAUP - I was thinking that I would have to go to Quamichan Lake for some Lesser Scaup photos as I had forgotten that a few usually visit Fairwinds. Sure enough there was a female, male, and a few juveniles with the Ring-necks.

STRANGE RING-NECKED DUCK - I hadn't paid any attention to the male Lesser Scaup as it blended in so well with the Ring-neckeds. I'll be paying attention from now on.

BROWN BUTT - As I was checking the blackberry thickets for a Winter Wren, by chance I glanced up. I was shocked to be staring directly at the brown butt of Coop, the local juvenile Cooper's Hawk.

HAWK FAN - Fortunately, Coop was feeling mellow as he (she?) was enjoying the filtered rays of morning sunshine. He did fly up to the next tree, but only to show off his fine array of feathers.

MY KINGDOM FOR A KINGLET! - It seems that everytime go golfing, I see Gold-crowned Kinglets posing to have their pictures taken. Of course, that's when I'm without camera. Today, it was too wet to golf so I had my camera, but no one was posing. I was lucky to get any shot.

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