May 29, 2016 - Westwood Hills Nature Center
Read MoreI have more photos from the Texas workshop to share with you but I’m taking a break this week to bring you some Minnesota spring photos. I was inspired by a Jim Williams’ Star Tribune blog entry to go to Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. This was the first time I visited Westwood Hills even though it is pretty close to where we live. A male Northern Cardinal is always a welcome sight.
CardinalNorthernmaleWestwoodHillsNatureCenterLouisPark20160420
It was no surprise to find Canada Geese at the park. I got an amusing close-up of this one as it was calling. You get a good look at its tongue, of course, but also notice the serrated edges on the bill. Geese have no teeth so the rough edges help them clip grass, an important part of their diet. Also, note the small hook on the tip of the bill.
This close-up shows the amazing red and blue bumps on the head and neck of a turkey. The colors can change very quickly, depending on the mood of the bird. That appendage sticking straight up from the beak is called a snood. It can be raised like this or it can lie flat on the bird’s beak.
TurkeyWildmalecloseWestwoodHillsNatureCenterLouisPark20160420
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