We visited
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden with friends, and as always, the birds were just amazing. We saw mallards, seagulls, a scrub jay, a crow, song sparrows, Canadian geese, buffleheads, scaups, widgeons, wood ducks, coots, and Horatio, the resident African goose. Also we saw a strange duck we were unable to identify. I couldn't find it in my guidebooks to the birds of the Pacific Northwest, so I checked one for California and one for the eastern and central US, with no luck. Then it occurred to me that it was a duck, after all, and domesticated ones often turn up there. I think it was a Muscovy duck.
 |
| Muscovy duck. |
 |
| Jasper with Horatio. |
The garden is famous both for its amazing array of waterfowl, and of course for its rhododendrons, which are already starting to bloom. It is worth it to stop by often, especially in the spring, because the ducks and geese will soon be mating, nesting, and raising ducklings and goslings. The birds have become quite tolerant of humans because so many people feed them, but remember that bread crumbs are not good nutritionally for the birds, and cracked corn is a better choice. An admission of $3 is charged for those 12 and over, Thursday through Monday, 10AM- 6PM, March through Labor Day. It is free if you go on Tuesday or Wednesday, or enter any time before 10AM or after 6PM. My child is a magnet for water, and there are areas with stepping stones, so I never go without a change of clothes!
 |
| Horatio the African goose |
 |
| crow |
 |
| coot |
 |
| Scaup |
 |
| Wood duck |
Comments