Yesterday I drove out to Marl Bed Flats, though my time there was cut short by the fact that I slipped into mud deep enough to get muddy water into my boots. I was hoping to confirm breeding of Least Bitterns, but I never made it to where they are. These hibiscus-like flowers were blooming; they look to me like Saltmarsh Mallow, even though I wasn't in a salt marsh. I can't find a better match, though, and I've read that these flowers sometimes grow inland. There were many dragonflies there, and I photographed a Four-spotted Pennant and a Regal Darner. Unfortunately the darner wouldn't perch where I could get a good photograph.
Four-spotted Pennant
Regal Darner
On the way out, I came across this Muscovy Duck perched on the utility wires. This one is nearly all black, except for a little bit of white visible on the wing. We don't get wild Muscovy Ducks here, but this one looks similar to photos of those you can find in the wild in Mexico.
Beautiful photographs, Scott! I can empathize with the dragonfly identification. I've been trying, but it can be challenging!
ReplyDeleteThey just need to stay put, and then we'll all be fine, right?
ReplyDelete