The Leader

Today I didn't see any Mallards on the water but later in the day they all took flight at once which was an amazing sight.  I assume it was the same group from yesterday plus 20 more at least.  If this is typical Mallard behavior this is the first year I've been paying attention and I'm glad I was.  

There are many of nature's displays that thrill me and birds in flight is one of them.  I love "bird clouds" -- around here it's usually the starlings that put on a display but the snow geese in flight have to be seen to be believed.  They're further south from where I live and so I don't always get to see them.