Upde Designs

Happy Thursday!

Great news, the Trumpeter Swans are back at the Hurstville Wetlands (Duck Pond.)  There were close to a hundred Canada Geese also at the pond yesterday.  I had noticed the pond was very busy on my way in yesterday morning.  I knew I didn’t have any lunch plans so I decided this is where I’ll spend my lunch period.

As I crossed the Hurstville Bridge over the Maquoketa River two mature bald eagles were flying very low over the road.  Damn, I’m already 5 minutes late for work.  After turning around twice to get a place to park they were gone. 😦

So on my lunch period I grabbed a quick sandwich and headed for the Duck Pond.  I spent my entire lunch break there and had a great time.  The drama that I often experience in my work is evident at the Pond as well.  Territorial battles, relationship issues, and the constant struggle to distinguish yourself from your peers. 🙂

I shot 205 images but mostly I just watched.  One neat thing that I’ll show you soon is that the power company has put “spinners” on all the power-lines that border the Pond.  In years past several of the swans and geese have been electrocuted as they come in for landing or fly out of the pond.  Those power-lines were hard to see.  I noticed them earlier in the week but the crew was there yesterday completing their work.  I suspect my friend Ann had something to do with the spinners.  I’m so glad to see that they have been added for protection of the wildlife.

Returning from his victory this male swan makes a big splash on his landing near his mate.  He did a lot of posturing after landing and I was able to capture some of the that, which I’ll share on another post.  Let’s just say he was making sure his mate knew what a fearsome creature he really was.  🙂

Big day for me today.  I’m nervous and excited at the same time.  More on that later.  For now I hope you enjoyed the swans as much as I did.

Thanks for stopping by the blog.  Enjoy your day and be careful.