Not a countdown but a count of the birds that I’ve seen so far in 2021. The first are three Red Breasted Mergansers; diving water fowls that tick off the boxes of first of the year and first ever seeing! I only had my small pocket camera with me at the time so I didn’t get them as clearly as I would’ve liked. I may go back with the big lens to see if they are still at the reservoir. The one in the front is definitely a male and the two behind could be either juvenile males or females.
Three Red Breasted Mergansers
I wasn’t expecting to see Mr. and Mrs. Swan when I drove past the ponds they normally hang around in but they were still there. Not sure if they winter here or go elsewhere.
Two Trumpeter Swans
And in the pond next to the swans was a solitary Blue Heron. Having your own built in down/feather coat helps with the winter weather here.
One Blue Heron
Teri 📷
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
Oh, I love the pair of white Trumpeter Swans! So pretty! Make a good photo for brides as this is a fantastic one. Wedding pics these days are more adventurous as people seek to go outdoors.
Thank you. They are a romantic pair and it’s a bit safer to have an outdoor rather than an indoor ceremony now.
True that! Enclosed spaces are not good now.
I really like the Blue Heron shot. Good one.
Thanks. He didn’t mind me leaning out of the car much.
I love the geometric patterns from the reeds with the swans and heron.
Thanks, Tim. Those reeds are the remains of the lotus flowers and every year they seem to form great patterns.
I enjoyed all the photos, Teri, and also especially liked the geometric patterns from the reeds with the swans and heron.
Thank you, Lavinia. Come to think of it, they do look as though they were drawn on the image.
Beautiful photos and great patterns with the reeds sticking out of the water. And
And wish the count direction reverses now 🙂
Thank you, Deb. I’m looking forward to when it’s breeding season to see birds in those colors.
Very nice, Teri! You’re lucky to see these birds in winter! It’s too cold for them here.
Thanks! I was totally and happily surprised to see them this day.