Ruddy Ducks at Quiet Waters Park

Today’s weather was much more promising than yesterday’s, and I set out for Quiet Waters after a much needed trip to the grocery store.
I was eager to try out my 2.0X teleconverter, and I’d heard there were more ducks coming in at QW, as well as Sandy Point State Park. I did see some nice birds at Quiet Waters, but they were reluctant to pose (And I’m still learning). Experiments with the teleconverter are somewhat disappointing.
I got to Sandy Point around 10:00 and stayed about an hour. I explored a part I hadn’t seen before, and found a young deer and a few small birds, as well as more Ruddy Ducks.

Ruddy Duck

These Ruddy Ducks were at Quiet Waters, and the reflection off the water is nice.

Ruddy Duck

I’ve seen several flocks of Ruddy Ducks now, and they often seem to be sleeping.

Bufflehead

This Bufflehead was probably more than one hundred yards way. The trade off between sharp and small is hard to evaluate. The slow shutter speed and high ISO probably doesn’t help.
f13 1/160 ISO800

Bufflehead

Conventional lens.
f6.3 1/500 ISO400

Brown Creeper

I believe there were two Brown Creepers in the area, but they move so quickly and mimic the bark so well, it’s hard to get a good shot.

Mallard

It’s just a Mallard, but the ripples on the calm water add a lot.

Ruddy Duck

I encountered a small flock of Ruddy Ducks near the shore at Sandy Point, but they flew off as I approached.

Dark Eyed Junco

This Dark Eyed Junco was foraging near the beach.

Cedar Waxwing

If you spend any time looking, you’ll find a flock of Cedar Waxwings.

Deer

This young deer seemed totally unafraid of me.

Black Backed Seagull

This is probably a young Black Backed Seagull.