Merced Wildlife Refuge

Last week I decided to take another trip to the 

Merced Wildlife Refuge. There were reports that geese were prevalent.

Oops, I didn't see a single one. So I made the best I could of

'non-goose' shots.

The wind was mostly non-existent and anyone who has been to

the refuge knows it has some interesting trees.

Obviously black and white since I was looking at structure.

Great Blue Herons are not unheard of in the refuge but you don't see

many and usually they're hidden along the edge of the reeds. This one 

decided that this open area worked just fine.

The predominant duck species was the Northern Shoveler. Ducks 

mate for life and you usually see them in pairs.

This first shot is a Shoveler grooming near the bank, but protected 

by bushes.

Here's another pair just cruising looking for a dinner spot.

This pair found just right spot for a evening dinner for two.

American Coots are probably the most common water foul in the park. They

seem to be everywhere. While not particularly colorful this one provided me

with some great lines in it's wake.

It looked like the sunset was going to be a little disappointing so I took a walk 

along the Kestrel Trail, not much there but I heard a owl and decided to try

an sneak up and ..... Well you know how that turned out. But as I headed back

to my car I decided the sunset wasn't so bad looking thru the trees.

Go, See, Enjoy and Photograph

Dave