Life in the Bristolwood

This evening, Mark and I dropped the kids off at the Bible study. Mark asked what I might enjoy doing while waiting for the kids and without any hesitation, I told him I would enjoy going to the Canandaigua City Pier.

Shortly after arriving at the pier, I hopped out of the truck and began looking around to see what types of waterfowl might be around. I spotted several pairs of Mallard Ducks.  So, dear readers, what would be the most practical way to attract ducks close enough to capture some photos? Why, of course! After looking to the left, right, front and rear, I began quacking just like a duck!

I did keep a close eye on the police cruiser located not too far from me…I certainly didn’t want to venture a free ride to the local psyche ward!

So, did my non-conventional behavior warrant the desired results?  Of course! Look who came walking up a set of stairs from the water below…..

Notice how he is craning his neck and checking me out!

Just look at the striking colors on this Mallard Drake. Isn’t he gorgeous? Oh yeah, guess who came up behind him?

Yes, it is Mrs. Mallard. She wasn’t quite as cordial as her mate, but what a beautiful couple they are!

I heard some honking in the water below, so I stepped over to the ege of the pier and looked….as the drake floated about, I was fortunate enough to catch the waning sun striking his head.

The Mallards are quite sociable ducks, not seeming very reluctant to step right up to humans. On the other hand, there were a few ducks out in the water that would not come near the pier. I am not familiar with the species

As the sun wandered over further and further into the western sky,  the lake darkened.

It seemed as though we were suddenly enveloped in a covering of darkness all about us! The magic, though, is that as the darkness moves in, the lights of the buildings near the lake appear as colorful ribbons of shimmering streamers upon the lake….

What a peaceful and lovely way to end the day!