in eastern Washington provided a sunny but wintry backdrop for an early morning outing in sub-zero windchill conditions. The various and active waterfowl did not disappoint, and patient shooting was richly rewarded.
Mated pair of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) in flight, the largest of waterfowl, and both the heaviest and longest native bird of North America.
Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) maneuvering on final approach.
Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) on parade. (Click on image to enlarge.)
Read about the restoration of Trumpeter Swans at Turnbull NWR in the 1950s.