We had some cold and rainy weather a few days in D.C., but the ducks seem to enjoy it. The Capitol Reflecting Pool often plays host to ducks and seagulls enjoying a swim and hoping to get a snack from human friends. However on a recent walk across the Mall I noticed that spring is certainly in the air, because nearly all the ducks were paired up! A quick internet search informed me that we are currently in “nesting season.” So soon these mama ducks will be laying their eggs, which will hatch in about a few weeks. I’m hoping to see some fuzzy duckies at the pool, however I imagine the actual nesting sites will be somewhere remote and marshy, like the Aquatic Gardens.
Parts of the Mall were quite soggy, but the ducks were taking advantage of the newly formed puddles. Here’s a pair that might be having a lovers’ quarrel, and you can see more ducky couples in the background. To the back left is the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Some afternoon views of the Capitol building and Reflecting Pool.
Yes, that is duck and seagull poop in the foreground. Was trying to lure these two with stale cookies for some photo opportunities, but the seagulls would swoop in and and snatch them away. Side note: not a fan of seagulls. I dislike their call and the way they fly around your head and steal food from more likable animals (like ducks!). And well, there’s Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Purely out of spite I deleted all photos where seagulls are making an appearance. Anyways.
See all the paired couples?
It was nearing 6pm when I took these photos, which is clearly the beginning of ducky bedtime. Got a few photos of ducks turning in early.
The ducks aren’t the only ones with “spring fever.” Near the U.S. Botanic Garden, a few turtle doves were in the courting mood.
We are also nearing the end of cherry blossom season. It was somewhat thwarted by a surprise snow shower several weeks ago, but many of the blossoms persevered. I’ve enjoyed seeing the pink and white trees from my office window, although they were no match for the recent wind and rain. But I was able to get a few end of season photos.
I particularly like how the dark tree branches contrast with the snowy blossoms.
And even though the weather has downed many blossoms, the petals still make a pretty picture on the ground!
Happy Spring!
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