I am down in the western suburbs of Chicago giving talks on two successive nights to local birding organizations. I certainly never expected to see a lifer and capture a nice photograph during my visit, but such was the case while walking a footbridge across the Fox River this morning. Amazingly the weather was 70F and sunny. Back home the first winter storm of the season is raging. I had been complaining about the slow pace of the late migration. The storm at home should change that situation.

Regardless, this morning’s Ruddy Duck

And a Ring-Necked Duck from back in Duluth which I saw on Sunday.

Any attendees looking for the outline of my presentation along with all its links, browse here.