Wigeon at Frank Melville Park

Wednesday, December 12, 2018,

This is a male Wigeon. Wigeons are one of several species that I like to refer to as ‘Winter Ducks’, because they and a few other species only visit Long Island during winter. Other of these ‘Winter Ducks’ include Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers, and Hooded Mergansers. There are several other species that come under that umbrella but the Wigeons, Gadwalls, Shovelers, and the Mergansers can often be found at either of the ponds at Frank Melville Park. This park is a magnet for these winter visitors. If you are interested in viewing uncommon ducks, then maybe you should consider visiting Frank Melville. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. JK

Tufted Titmouse

Monday, December 10, 2018,

This is a Tufted Titmouse. Usually, when I post two pics in a single post, I try to find something humorous or intelligent to say to act as a sort of filler between the two photographs. I really don’t have much to say about these pics today. I’m sorry to let you folks down but, gosh, isn’t this bird amazingly photogenic? There have been plenty of times in the past when I only post a single photo of a bird just because I couldn’t come up with some witty banter. It is often much easier to take a photograph than it is to write about said photograph. But look, how could I choose between these two pics? This is a Tufted Titmouse and, by golly, it’s cute in both photos. JK

JK

A Squirrel at Sweetbriar Nature Center

Wednesday, December 5, 2018,

Here are a pair of pics of the rarely seen Eastern Gray Squirrel.  This little guy was hanging out at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, where I am a sometime volunteer. I go there from time to time to visit with friends and to walk around the grounds taking photographs of birds and other local wildlife. Sweetbriar is a great place for that sort of thing. I heartily suggest that you check the place out. JK

JK