Autumn Staples

Harlequin Ducks arrive back on the coast in October....................


We were east of town at a spot where they gather during their moult.............

They (the males) are difficult to photograph because of the high contrast between the darks and lights in their plumage.

It doesn't help that in this particular spot they seem to prefer the shade..............

One of these days I will get some in soft late afternoon light somewhere................

Not much else around. 5 species of gull including Glaucous-winged and Black-headed, a flock of Bewicks Swan high in the sky on their way south, a few Great Egret here and there. Kamiiso was very quiet. Just a flock of 30 or so Wigeon and nothing else of interest.

Last week near my apartment was pretty quiet too. Brown Dipper, a few Rustic Bunting, some common ducks in the park as well as a couple of Little Grebe.............