a birdy-full day

The sun gods were smiling on Belgium today and delivered the MOST perfect of October days .... clear blue skies, 20+ celsius, and calm. We pick-nicked in the park and stopped to snap a few pics of birdies along the way --included a few here your birding pleasure ...

a few migrants .... known as Brandgans, or Barnacle geese

Nijlgans, or Egyptian geese with chickies!

sweet little kuifeend, or tufted duck

2 black swans?????? You don't even have to go to the zoo!

Fuut, or great crested grebe parent + 1 super COOL chick

Sitting quietly on the edge of the pond, a patient-waiting Ijsvogel, or Kingfisher

I never tire of their splendid irridescent green plumage - it's absolutely captivating!

Squint and you'll see the tiny fish in its beak ...

and what's hiding behind the Nijlgans? Why, a casarca! Or ruddy shellduck ----- another escapee, no doubt, but never mind. I'm grateful to witness this lovely goose anywhere, anytime:)