Friday, May 5, 2023

Sunset at the Pond


 I love to walk over to the neighborhood pond at sunset. 


It's not the best time for bird photos and it doesn't count as a hike but it's a relaxing evening stroll just down the street from my house.


I was thrilled to see so many Ring-necked Ducks. Thanks Wally for help with the ID! They are similar to the Scaup Ducks but when you see photos of them side by side, it's easy to tell the difference! Whew! I'm still learning!


I kept taking photos knowing they wouldn't be in sharp focus.


But the water did take on some sunset colors and looked beautiful.


One more before it gets too dark!


There were lots of other ducks and birds there so I'll share a few.


Great Egret hiding in the long grass along the bank.


Red-winged Blackbirds singing louder than the other birds.


A mosaic of the bird, purple Irises and roses.


And all along, you can see that I was lifting my camera to capture the spectacular sunset.


What a wonderful way to end the day.


One more mosaic of the Red-winged blackbird.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.  

  Mosaic Monday HERE and I like Thursdays HERE !  


50 comments:

Latane Barton said...

Such beautiful sunset reflections. I love the thing you did to that last photo. I enjoy 'messing around' with my photos but I mainly just frame them. Maybe I need to try something more.

Tom said...

...water is Mother Nature's mirror!

MadSnapper said...

worth the wait for that sunset! Wow! the redwing birds are so pretty, I have not seen one so far.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Oh my, what beautiful photos! And the the sunset is breathtaking! Thank you! Cathy

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Gorgeous sunset
Evening bird watching ducks on a pond has a calming vibe.

Annie said...

How beautiful and what a lovely evening walk that is. Never heard of a Scaup duck but they are cute!

Kathy said...

What wonderful pictures. The sunset was gorgeous! I really liked seeing the egret hiding in the grass.

Debbie said...

The sunset photos are magnificent!! Looks like a painting!!
You always take such beautiful photos.
The pond looks like a very relaxing place to spend time at the end of the day.
Enjoy your weekend.
xxoo

Red Rose Alley said...

What a pretty sunset on the pond. It's nice that you can just walk over to the neighborhood pond. It looks peaceful. I love that photo of the red-winged blackbird and the roses. The bird seems to go well with the color of the roses. And the last mosaic is very cool.

~Sheri

Vee said...

What a lovely evening. I like the pink streaks on the water.

Jenn Jilks said...

I try not to worry about good or bad photos. It is a record of a memory for me. Sometimes just a reminder of something I need to take care of!

Cloudia said...

What a wonderful post! Just be on the lookout for Gators

happyone said...

Wow the sunset is gorgeous.

Lorrie said...

You have a lovely spot for an evening walk. So much to see in there. Beautiful photos - thank you for sharing.

Irma said...

What beautiful photos.
The sunset in photo 10 is my favorite.
Greetings Irma

Ann said...

That is a beautiful way to end the day. Love all the bird pictures and that sunset is gorgeous.

Marcia said...

A nice end to the day. Sunsets deserved to be watched.

Marcia said...

2nd try to comment. Sunsets deserved to be enjoyed. A nice end to the day.

Wally Jones said...

What a gorgeous evening walk! Birds, flowers, water, sunset - it must be Florida!

Pro Tip: Anytime you walk out of a building, that is legally a "hike".
You're welcome.

Bill said...

Beautiful photos and a stunning end of the day image. Well done and thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.

RedPat said...

You are lucky to have such an ice pond close by. You got some great shots.

carol l mckenna said...

Such and idyllic array of photos ~ beautiful! Xo

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

BeachGypsy said...

Beautiful pictures Diane! .love those black and white ducks. I never see those red wing blackbirds-- wonder if we have them here?

Breathtaking said...

Hello Diane :=)
I can see why you like to stroll down to the neighbourhood pond in the evening. It's such a pretty green place, and your sunset capture is stupendous. Lovely nature images. The Red-winged Blackbird and the roses is an especially beautiful capture.

Diane, thanks for your fun comment. :=)The Squirrels, one or another or more, usually turn up at tea time, but they only drink water, and lots of it in this hot weather we are getting.
All the best.

Terri D said...

It is always a beautiful visit here, Diane!! I don't think I've ever seen that kind of duck before! Interesting and fun!

magiceye said...

Delightful captures of the birds and sunset!

Linda said...

That sunset was amazing!!!! Thank you for sharing it!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Seems odd, somehow, to see Ring- necked Ducks so far south.

Barbara said...

Beautiful photography, as always. Red-winged Blackbirds -- I have not seen nor heard of them before. That red spot on the wings is very striking.Good job!

Linda said...

I love the birds, and the sunset is spectacular.

Linda said...

Beautiful photos Diane, lovely walk to end the day.

Linda said...

Beautiful photos Diane, lovely walk to end the day.

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh that sunset is lovely! You always post the best pictures! Happy May. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Rainbow Evening said...

aww.... very beautiful views...
love critters on the pond

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

I love those pretty birds and the sunset is just gorgeous. The weather has finally warmed up here for walks in my neighborhood. I hope you have a nice week Diane.

Lowcarb team member said...

That sunset really was a wonderful way to end the day.
I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.

Have a good week ahead.

All the best Jan

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

Beautiful place for a walk. I love the sunset colours on the water. So pretty!

-Soma

Jill Harrison said...

We are lucky to have several parks and places to walk not far from home. Beautiful at any time of day. Stay safe and enjoy your week.

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful photos my dear friend.
Happy Mother's Day to you!!
Love, Carla

Aunt Helen said...

Hi Diane, What gorgeous photos!! Love the Ducks, and the Egret; and I have never seen a red-winged Blackbird! So nice! You capture Nature so beautifully!!

Angie said...

Diane - how blessed you are to have an abundance of wildlife just down the street from you! I especially like the Egret! We have many Red-Winged Blackbirds around the lake, and they sure do make a racket. Spring would be pretty quiet without them!

Michelle said...

What a beautiful place you have to visit. Our farm pond dried up a few years ago and I miss it.

Yvonne said...

All beautiful photos of a relaxing walk. I really like the rabbit photo at the top. Nicely done.

EricaSta said...

Never seen before a redwinged Blackbird... I enjoyed your wonderful captures again.

Thank you being part at

MosaicMonday with your lovely post.

Hugs by Heidrun

SImple and Serene Living said...

I love the sights and sounds of summer sunsets. So calming. Have a great weekend my friend. Hugs, Laura

Debbie said...

ooooh those red winged blackbirds, always a favorite. i can usually hear them before i see them. i see a lot of scaups here but i am not sure about ring-necked ducks!! our egerts have returned and i am seeing a lot of them!!

gorgeous sunset, thanks so much for stopping by, i was very late to join the critter party!!

i posted some mute swan babies, first day in the water if you would enjoy love to see them. don't worry about leaving a comment i just thought you would enjoy seeing them!!

Debbie said...

did i say gorgeous sunset?! i don't think i did!! it's so pretty!!!

Adam Jones said...

Those Ring-necked Ducks are really nice. I've not seen one this year.

NatureFootstep said...

beautiul birds and nature. Love the Ring-necked Ducks, we have a similar one over here. They are beauties. But I rarely see them.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Great duck sightings, pretty flowers and photos. The sunset is gorgeous.
Sorry, I am late commenting! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and the rest of the week! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment!