Morning Wing Stretches

 

Dawn broke over a busy Bear River MBR. In the Tundra swan community, some still dozed, others were already foraging, while a few welcomed the morning with slow, elegant wing stretches.

Generally, life is good.

Beneath the Wing - I

 

This Muscovy duck is a fully mature drake.

 

His caruncles are still developing and are currently limited to a small "mask" around the eye. As he matures, those red fleshy bits will likely expand across his face.

Generally, life is good.

Finally, a Red-breasted Nuthatch!

For years, I’ve dreamed of coming across a Red-breasted Nuthatch, and finally, my dream came true! 

These tiny, energetic birds are often called 'upside-down birds' because of their unique way of navigating trees.

Unlike woodpeckers that use their tails for balance and only climb trees, the nuthatch has extra-strong hind toes and claws. 

This allows them to climb headfirst down tree trunks. By foraging downward, they spot insects in the bark that other birds overlook while climbing up.

The name "nuthatch" actually comes from their feeding behavior. 

They take a large seed or nut, wedge it into a crevice in the bark, and then "hatch" (hack) it open with their sharp, chisel-like beak to get to the seed inside.

Generally, life is good.

Lichen: Life in Miniature

 

Lichens are nature’s ultimate mashup—part fungus, part algae, and entirely unique. 

I used to walk right past them, but after spotting some on a tree, I realized what I’d been missing. They aren’t just growths; they’re organic art, packed with stunning patterns and textures.

Generally, life is good.