Anyone who knows me well would probably guess that I can only go so long before I take some bird photos.

Well recently the urge to photograph some feathers struck and I returned to a favorite haunt of mine, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

Let’s just say that overall, early summer is not the best season for bird photography at Baskett. Baskett is primarily a wintering spot for migratory waterfowl and the amount of impressive birds there in the summer is definitely less than the rest of the year. However, I was treated to some unique opportunities with Great Blue Herons. Even more fun was the appearance of a mother Gadwall with her chicks. I’ll admit that at first I thought they were Mallards, but when mom flexed her wings and the speculum became apparent there was no question.

Just another day in my long relationship with marsh ducks.