This resident 'dabbling ducks' couple temporarily suspended their daily dabblings this morning hunkering down instead under the oppressive 18°F wind chill, while hastily deconstructing their strategic decision to stay in the Park instead of migrating further south. They showed no concern about the approaching camera lens, (Notice the male's left foot anchored, against the stiff wind, to an underwater branch.) That's, Anas platyrhynous.
Here-hangs the Ruby-crowned Kinglet tweaking seeds from last year's flower cone on the Hazel Alder tree. Currently, it's the winter non-breeding season with crucial time needed to fatten his plump little pot belly (this is the male) for the big marathon migration north, in a few weeks, to Canada and Alaska. The Kinglet is the tiniest songbird in the US, constantly active, restlessly foraging with hops and flits, and overflowing with dynamic energy. Locating him in the viewfinder was frustrating; it was a lucky shot. By the way, do you see a mischievous glint behind that white eye ring? The big-eyed look is a distinguishing characteristic for Regulus calendula.