THE WETLANDS ARE BACK - AND SOME FRIENDS AS WELL

We are happy to report that the wetlands are swelling with the rains, which means we see more of our old friends and some drop-ins too. We spied this guy bouncing along on the current. Odd duck, isn't he?

Here's another view, which tells us that he's a hooded merganser.

Here are a few more of him. Apparently his hood can be raised at will.

He wasn't alone that day. This guy was doing his best to hang out inconspicuously. His camouflage drove my lens nuts.

The scene was lovely too. The marsh is refilling and the clouds cling to the distant hills.

And on our way home, we saw Mt. Hood watching benignly.