Overrun by the ravening hordes!

I went out during lunch today, hoping to get some river shots from the bridge. The temperature was a balmy 18F when there was no breeze, 12 when there was. Stopped on the path through the apartment complex to consider whether I could get some tree shots with the snow and ice on the pond in the background. As soon as I stopped, every duck, goose and coot headed my direction. I got mobbed! The coots, usually skittish, came right up to me. A widgeon came flying up, and they're worse than the coots! Mike put crackers in my bag, with instructions to go back tomorrow and feed the poor things.

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This group includes the coots. Honestly, I sometimes think these birds have looks only a mother could love. Then again, how can you not smile at the stripey feet?

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That is really cool QO. Love the one leg Coot shot. As you said, they are usually quite skittish. You think this is ugly, you ever seen a Coot Chick? Ugh!!!!

Love that first one with the birds incoming.

I dig how the colour breaks up the snow.

I like the third one in the first set...make me think of the old Sesame Street song..."which one of these is not like the other"
Great contrasting colours with the male mallards against the snow.

OMG
The whole family was there.
Nice contrast between snow and ducks.

That is funny. Reminds me of the Pied Piper, but with ducks. Lovely detailed shots

Thank you. It was kinda funny, watching them all gather speed - only a few at first, but then the rest didn't want to miss out on something good. I went back the next day with a package of crackers. They didn't last long. I'm thinking of going over to one of the stores that sells feed and getting some duck feed. It's gotta be better for them than crackers.

HBG, didn't you post a photo of coot chicks a few months back? I have vague memories of that, and yeah, they were definitely not cute.