Tom and Buckshot

The reservoir, where I enjoy walking in the summer, actually opened on April 15. But our weather hasn't been exactly wonderful for walking very often since that date. I've made it over there twice, I think. Anyway, last week, I was on my way to the reservoir for a walk, when this tom turkey came strutting out into the road as if to frighten my vehicle away.

I had to shoot through the car's windshield because this dude was threatening.

There were two or three ducks there, and Mr. Turkey was apparently staking his claim.

At the reservoir, I was pleased to see that the three disabled geese had survived the winter. (I think someone feeds them during the winter months, and there's an area of water around the reservoir's pump system that stays unfrozen all winter.)

One of these three geese has been a resident for a couple of years now. It was joined by two others last spring. They have all suffered gunshot wounds and can no longer fly, but each managed to make it into the sanctuary of the reservoir where they seem to be managing quite well. I'm sorry that two more were injured, but I'm glad the original one, who has been nicknamed "Buckshot," now has company.

The only other birds I was able to photograph were these American coots, which were a little too far out in the water for a really good shot.

On a previous visit, I had seen a loon, but it was too far from shore to get a decent photograph. Maybe I'll have better luck on a future visit.