Munson pond in Kelowna

A variety of water birds I photographed at Munson Pond on March 17, 2025

It finally feels like spring has arrived now that the ice is off the local lakes and ponds.  The variety and number of birds on Munson Pond in Kelowna was truly heart-warming, even if the waters were cold.  The mergansers kept in a group in the center of the water body and were constantly diving for fish.  The geese kept to themselves as did the other assorted ducks.  The coots too were not too interested in mixing with other avian species while there was only one lone pied-billed grebe.

I did manage to get one decent photo - a shot of a female mallard.  She was sitting on a tiny hillock at the pond's edge and the sun was to my back (I am a strong believer in "pointing my shadow" in the direction that I am shooting; it is a technique that rarely lets me down).  You can see her in the photo below.

What I especially liked about this photo was how close she was; she filled the frame on my camera to the same extent that she does in the shot.  She seemed content to share her profile with me; after shooting a couple of images I left her in peace.

I was out at the pond with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed the warm, sunny weather.  I didn't get any amazing shots and saw only birds that I was very familiar with.  Even so, it was a great time to venture outdoors.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


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