The vertebrate field biology class ended up at South Park in Quincy.  It was better than I expected.  The pond had open water, a couple dozen geese and about 60 mallards.  Some old dude pulled up in his car, dumped a bag of bread on the lawn, and was absolutely swarmed by ducks.

From Winter 2011

The drake in the middle has a chunk of bread in his bill.

From Winter 2011

Even though they were only 3 m from the water, many chose to fly back...

From Winter 2011

...providing me with many opportunities for bird-in-flight shots.

From Winter 2011

Of course, mallards up close were easy.    This guy was looking sharp.

From Winter 2011

A lone wood duck held my attention for a long time.  I took hundreds of shots of this most excellent bird.  Seldom do I get so close to them.  He should have migrated south a long time ago.

From Winter 2011

Looks great from both angles.  He kept courting the mallard hens, but they were having none of it.  I found out later that this guy is a regular around Quincy, especially along the river.

From Winter 2011

This hen common merganser wanted to be left alone. 

From Winter 2011

This thrush was a rare treat, as was the barred owl we saw being harassed by crows.  The funny thing is that we saw an owl under the same circumstances two years ago here.

From Winter 2011

One of many fox squirrels in the park.  He gave us a nice parting pose.  We also saw whitetail deer walking on the ice at Quinsippi Island earlier.