I seldom watch birds without our dog, Ginger, along on a leash. It adds a challenge of stabilizing dog and camera when photographing but we often log 15-20 miles a week together. With mud season in full bloom here, most of our walks are on the great network of sidewalks throughout Montpelier. Here are some recent shots, a couple from today.

Yesterday, I came across this Pileated Woodpecker in a close-by neighborhood. I’ve heard them this year but this is the first I’ve seen.

Then, this morning, just as we were heading out, this Wood Duck pair, recently arrived, were riding the river current downstream. They are very shy, unlike our Mallards, but just wonderful to see.

Female (this is the year I master manual focusing.)