Snowdrops, crocuses, and wildlife photographers … sure signs that spring is just around the corner.

Piper Spit was surprisingly busy for a Monday afternoon. Given all the rain we’ve been getting lately I guess it’s not really a wonder that folks are taking advantage of the sun when it does finally make an appearance. We certainly weren’t going to pass it up either.

We were greeted by the usual symphony of chirps, quacks, whistles, and caws. Sparrows were bickering on both sides of the path and the geese were adding the occasional honk. There was no shortage of Green-winged Teals (regular spring visitors). The males have this soft little whistle that reminds me of being in gym class … very cute … their whistles … not me in gym class … just wanted to clear that up.

Even the crows came through on their way to their nightly roost and stopped for a quick bite to eat. (Won’t be long now and they’ll be stopping in for eggs.)

Of course no outing would be complete without at least one bird butt 😉 … ok, really it’s more like 90% of the shots. I swear they know when you’re about to click the shutter.

There was lots of preening going on …

… some … uh … other stuff …

… and generally a bunch of entertaining territorial type antics. This poor male Hooded Merganser sure got an earful from momma Wood Duck when he swam a little too close.

Waiting patiently for babies to arrive …