Riparian Preserve Revisited

The Riparian Preserve is a series of ponds or lagoons which is part of the water reclamation project in the city of Gilbert.  Its a great place to get pictures of birds and a few other animals as well.  This year many of the ponds were dry and the birds were down in numbers and seemed to be much further from the trails.  Most of the serious birders had 5-600mm lenses so getting up close and personal with my 105mm was a bit difficult.  Getting good shots of birds takes a big lens, lots of patience, some luck and a great deal of skill.  I didn't have much of any of these on this day but with some cropping I managed to get a few keepers.

Mother Goose

Lori found a painted rock.
The idea is, when found, you log into the website written on the back.
Record the location, then hide it somewhere else. 

I was hoping to get the sun glinting in his eye but couldn't quite get the right angle. 

Muscovy Duck.  Saw one of these at Lake Pleasant last year.
A face only a mother would love. 

Originally I didn't like the twigs crossing in front of this beauty.
Starting to like them now.
Would have been perfect if they could have framed the head.  

Just sitting on a log checking out the birds. 

A closeup of the duck.
What the heck is that growing on his beak. 

The other animals that were everywhere were the bunnies.
This guy had a rough day so dug himself a hole and settled in for a nap. 

Couldn't get on the sunny side but the silhouette with the reflection worked out ok

Next year I hope to be back with a bigger lens.