In a previous post I mentioned that the storm water retention pond not far from my house was home to several types of birds in the summer. Here we have three Canada Geese or in latin Branta Canadensis. Two of these are likely a mated pair with the third being one of the offspring from last year which has yet to find a mate.
They will nest and raise another year's young with the older offspring helping guard the chicks if it is unable to find it's own mate. This pair seems placid enough and will allow you to approach within a few feet. Geese can be quick protective of their young and or territory. On occasion they choose unlikely territories such as the area outside the door of a building and will attack anyone trying to trespass.
I know it is very hard to tell from the picture as I have a very unsophisticated camera but the flock of birds on the right are mallards. They are far more skittish around humans and will fly away if you get too close. This was the best shot I got.
This fellow is a juvenile red wing blackbird. He allowed me to get fairly close for a bird of his species they being rather shy. It didn't help I was also walking my dog at the time who was very excited about seeing any wildlife and wanted to rush in. It was a challenge trying to hold him back and aim my camera at the same time.
