Photos by Donna

 

I’ve photographed Blue-winged Teal before, but only at a great distance.

So it was exciting to find them closer to the shoreline at the 10,000 Islands NWR in the Everglades NP.

Warning…..photo overload!

 

Blue-winged Teal among the mangroves at 10,000 Islands NWR

 

The ops got even better when a few pairs would break away from the group and come in closer.

 

Blue-winged Teal (male leading female)

 

Blue-wing Teal

 

Blue-winged Teal

 

During one of my morning visits, the entire flock took flight, one group after another.

Blue-winged Teal in flight

 

They turned their flight slightly more to the left, and flew on by me.

Blue -winged Teal

 

Blue-winged Teal

 

Blue-winged Teal

 

Blue-winged Teal

 

I stayed with them as much as I could.  It is always exciting to get a flock in flight!

Sorry, too many favorites, just two more of the male.

 

Blue-winged Teal (male)

 

Blue-winged Teal

 

P.S.  I’ll be absent from the internet for a few days, I’ll catch up soon as I can when I return!