This summer at Lake Morton, I amused myself while on swan nest-watch by taking pictures of all the ducks and geese as they bathed in the lake.  Early mornings seem to be best for bathtime.  The birds are such fun to watch as they splash around, flapping their wings back and forth.  Besides, it’s fun to try to capture bath-time moments.  You never know how your shots will turn out when you’re with the show-offs at Lake Morton…

This goose started the flapping party during the beautiful golden light that showed off all his pretty white feathers.  You can anticipate the wing-flaps by watching for bathing birds.  The baths almost always end with a good flap or two as the bird dries himself off.  I was surprised at how big this goose seemed to grow as he flapped to his full height and expanse!

Then there was this Mute Swan.  He was swimming right in front of me, and I only had the Beast with me that morning!  He started slashing around, and I aimed at his face, hoping for a funny crop.  I got one, all right – he looks to me like he’s trying to conduct a symphony!  I love the trail of water droplets by his neck.

Father Goose showed off for me, too. This was the morning that he was taking care of thirteen tiny Muscovy ducklings.  He made sure that they were all sheltered well in the lake grasses, then he stepped aside and stretched his wings!  I wonder if the babies went, “ooh!  he’s so strong!” :)

I turned around and saw this little duck showing off, too.  He didn’t want to be outdone by all the bigger birds!  I really liked how the image captured all the water droplets that he was throwing around.

Boy did those baths feel good on a hot summer day! :)