Temperatures soared into the 70's on Monday, so I felt obliged to take a spin in the kayak. I toured around the north end of Lake Washington, but did not get far, because within 5 minutes of putting in, I found a Bald Eagle eating his breakfast.

He had just arrived with this poor unfortunate female Common Merganser.  She apparently had just had a very good fishing session, because there was still fish in her mouth.

The current was very strong in the slough, so I found a log to wedge myself against, and watched the Eagle for 25 minutes as he consumed the merganser.  

  A buddy of his flew in, and I thought for sure there was going to be a fight. But alas, the other just sat and watched

I only had about one more hour to tour around before i had to head back.  There were lots and lots of birds out, but most were too skittish to let me close.  This male Common Merganser was the best I could do.

There were lots and lots of Wood Ducks, but they were hiding in the brush surrounding the lake, and they would not let me any where near.  I hope this means that they are starting to nest.  I will keep an eye out in the next few months for baby Wood Ducks.

Janet and I had about one free hour this morning, so we decided to make a quick trip to the Arboretum.  I love the Winter Garden this time of year.  There is always something blooming or otherwise colorful.  It is a great way to lift your mood from all this grey and rain.

I stopped by Juanita Bay Park just before sunset. I was on my way to an Audubon meeting and I had an hour to kill.  It is now time for the male Red-winged Blackbirds to be staking out their territories.  I saw no females around, but the males were perched and singing their hearts out.  One male was in the last ray of sunshine, and boy did he make the perfect model.  He was working it from every angle.  I took over 200 photos of him, but here are ten of my favorites.

Red-winged Blackbird Red-winged Blackbird Red-winged Blackbird This boy has a future in modeling, and I hear he works for CHEEP!