spring is in the air

I stopped by a small pond in town after doing some errands this afternoon and was delighted to see that it was full of activity. Even in the dead of winter there are Canada Geese that hang out here, but today I also saw this pair of Mallards, a Common Goldeneye, and a Hooded Merganser (see extras). They were all in breeding plumage , a sign that spring is on its way!