A day at the lake

Almaden Park Lake is a small body of water surrounded by houses and busy roads, but it's a safe santuary for a wide variety
of birds, and a magnet for locals. It's just 2 miles from my door, and offers endless opportunities for photography. Today
was no exception.

It was a beautiful Spring-like day in northern California, and this Mallard took full advantage by hunting and dozing in the soft
greenery just emerging.



The mated pairs of Canada geese were enjoying the day as well...

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... until this beast showed up and scared them to deeper water.

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The doggie's owner showed up and all was well again. What could be more peaceful than old folks fishing...

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... and Little kids, thrilled by the wildlife, playing by the lake?

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Oops, I underestimated that little kid. First he chased the ducks...

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... and then he went after the big game! Geese are pretty tough, and I'm not sure I'd try that myself.

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But eventually, he wore himself out, with no damage to the birds, and I was left to explore in quiet. And after looking for a
while, I discovered where my favorite avian subjects were hanging out. Fishing was pretty good...

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and I even managed to sneak close enough to get some distant but decent shots.

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The Snowy Egrets have returned! Spring can't be far away  .