Geese and Teal

Changes in weather are often noted and remarked upon and the recent rains that we have had in our area are certainly an obvious deterrent and interruption and maybe even a reason for changing plans for the day, but for nature's multitude of creatures it can be a major factor in their daily pursuit of survival. I noticed yesterday many newly sprung field ponds in an area where all summer I have seen bundles of hay being harvested; the field ponds being seen are usually a feature of spring rather than being seen in early October. However, it was an exciting thing to find for immed- iately I could see Canada Geese off in the distance edging these temporary ponds and closer to me a few ducks were swimming around. At first I had thought the ducks were just a group of Black Ducks, but their bodies did seem to be a bit lighter in colour, and so following my self imposed rule to, " always take a picture" to examine closer at home on my computer screen, I did so and am glad that I did.I had found a small group of Green-winged Teal. How nice!