House Hunters

Mr. and Mrs. Hooded Merganser were entertaining the photographers this morning at Huntley Meadows as the went back and forth between two Wood Duck nesting boxes.  Here Mr. M was having a look around , (better in LARGE), which was immediately followed by some tree swallows checking it out.  Then they swam to the other box and Mrs. M. (see extra) jumped on top and kept peeking inside.  One of the photographers told me that another Merganser had already claimed this box.  Finally, they swam around together as if discussing their options and finally flew away to continue their search. 

When I heard the weather predictions for today, I made myself get up early and make the 45-minute drive to the wetlands to arrive just after sunrise.  I didn't calculate that it would still be very cold at that hour so was quite chilly during my excursion until the sun got quite high in the sky.  It took me forever to warm up when I got home and my feet are still feeling it.