Ran into this little red squirrel munching on a relatively large pinecone in the woods behind St. Lawrence's athletic fields.

This pair was passing through during migration. I was able to capture a few photos while they visited Black Lake on a snowy April afternoon. 

Standing in the water between the trunks of trees, I spotted this male wood duck swimming quickly towards me. I was able to stay stealthy while clicking away. The water was smooth and reflective except for the wake he was leaving. I was able to capture this and a series of photos. What a beautiful way to start a day on Black Lake. 

Porcupine at Small Pond near Indian Creek Nature Center Parking Area

Random Black Laker (unsolicited): "You should clear out those dead trees and "brush" to improve your view."

Me: "No. It's habitat" 

Same Random Black Laker: "I don't see as many ducks on the lake.. it must be the cormorants"  (their property looks like a golf course with some random non native ornamental plantings) 

Me:

Of course, after I set myself up between the trunks of trees facing the water, a group of beautiful male wood ducks flew in and landed in the woods behind me. I carefully twisted myself into a pretzel and got down low, so low I was sitting in the water. I was able to focus through the branches of some downed trees. I am still going through the series and finding some gems. If you are a bird nerd, you know how skittish these beautiful ducks can be. A few times I thought they spotted me or at least heard the sound of my camera. 

We have quite a flock of ring necked ducks hanging out around the lake's edge. I was lucky enough to capture some photos of this beautiful male.