Yesterday actually. Made first trip of the spring to my favorite wildlife refuge. And...wild life it was. Taking pictures of a pair of Trumpeter Swans peacefully swimming on the lake when (gasp) the male mounted the female and, in a few more weeks cygnets!
Stately Swans on the lake.
And then...
Whole episode took just a minute or so. No foreplay, just wham bam and now lets go lay some eggs.
Collar on the male is a radio transmitter.
Sandhill Cranes are just starting to come back for their "winter vacation". Heard this on coming and had the camera ready when it appeared over the trees.
Red-Wing Blackbirds are back, males anyway. They return first, stake out their territory and the gals come in later ready to get down to business.