Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

We headed over to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden on a tip that baby muskrats are to be found here.  We never found them, but Jasper discovered lots of other marvels.  We were surprised to find that there are still very young ducklings here, obediently following their mothers everywhere they go.  This is always a place where bird lovers hit the jackpot, and on a lovely summer day, there were plenty to be seen.

I believe this is a juvenile scrub jay.  It's certainly got tons of personality.

Duckling.

Another juvenile scrub jay.

Male red-winged blackbird.

Ducklings.

A female mallard preening.

Jasper found a mussel shell in the lake.

Jasper found a gorgeous jay feather.

Great blue heron.

Finding crawdads.

Cardinal meadowlark dragonfly.

Fireweed.

A juvenile wood duck.

Ducklings.