The kingbird was very cooperative for photos for the most part. We head into the park and I believe a mystery is solved, I know why Wood Ducks are called wood ducks. We saw some wood ducks out in a pond sitting in a row on some downed branches. 
Unfortunately, I have no idea if that is normal behavior. Now just for the fun of it let’s try a tongue twister:How much wood can a wood duck chuck if a wood duck could chuck wood.
Ok, seriously, eh who we kidding, birding requires a good sense of humor like many things in life. One thing about adventures like this one most likely ends up meeting with other fellow birders. Before we get very forgetfull and go any further we had met up with Hap in New Hope near the end of our time at Carver Park, Hap is a very cordial and helpful man who frequently reads everyones blogs giving help identifying birds. With Hap coming along to Hyland Park, we then met up with Hellziggy who came along with a huge canon of a lens (Little green with envy).
As we moved on from there and we found a pond which you could see in the distance either it was an otter or a beaver. Wait does Minnesota have otters? 
More to come...
7 comments:
How much wood...
Too funny!
I think Hyland would be good for another visit too. Lots of habitats. That was my first time there. Isn't Hap just the nicest fellow? I think he's the best birder I've ever met. Did you try lifting Sharon's monster lens? It weighed a ton but she sure gets sweet pix.
I think Lizette may have.
Yeah, Hyland will be on our list to see again for sure.
Two very nice posts on the outing and the photos are great! Looks like a place I may want to visit someday.
We should have asked someone at the nature center if they knew whether that was an otter or beaver we saw. I checked my "Mammals of Minnesota" field guide and both species are found throughout the state. Whatever it was, it was sure neat to see!
Ruthie, I would agree, from what I could tell it was Hyland-bush Lakes Pond. I'll see what I can do to contact them.
Wood duck does not chuck wood..it chucks ducks..or something like that..hee hee.
Sharons lens would give anyone lens envy..wow wee.
Let me know what you find out about the pond critter..beaver or otter.
According to the Public Affairs coordinator Beth, she said that based on the location, it is likely that what we had seen was a beaver, and that although it wouldn't be impossible to see an otter on a lake. Normally they are further north, even though some have been spotted around Coon Rapids Dam area. Then she gave a link.
Here is a link to the Minnesota DNR's information about Otters:
Post a Comment