The other day I took a walk in Skylands (where else?) to see how far along everything might be from blooming there. Not much was happening in that direction unfortunately, but I did find some other things of interest. Such as this turtle family enjoying a sunny rock in the middle of Duck Pond. 

It must have been just that kind of day because in another part of the pond I saw this:

They were all lined up facing in the direction of the sun for maximum baking exposure like a group of devout worshipers.

And what else could you expect to find on Duck Pond? Well … ducks of course!

I'm not really sure why one male's head was green and the other was more blue. Younger perhaps?

Our weekend ahead is varied. Today is supposed to be very nice weather-wise and I'm not sure just yet how we'll spend it. On Sunday Rick heads out early in the morning to catch his flight to Las Vegas for the big trade show and I'll be on my own until Friday. I am hoping to get in a few good walks while he's gone if the weather lets me! I am patiently waiting for the cherry blossoms to pop and my new lens to come in, neither of which is cooperating.

Love the turtle families!! Too cute (and smart!) The mallards remind me of dad going duck hunting. Not good memories, but they sure are beautiful here.

Enjoy your weekend!

Don’t you just hate it when nothing comes as fast as you want it to? I guess that’s why they say patience is a virtue. 

It looks like you had a lovely walk.

I wonder if the iridescence of the duck’s feathers isn’t due to the angle of the light? I love how turtles always line up like that—like a little turtle choir.

Hi Bigsis, glad you enjoyed the little family of turtles. I don’t remember Dad hunting mallards? I remember mergansers or whatever they were called and Mom hated preparing them!

Susan, hi there! It was nice to get out on a somewhat sunny day!

Steve, I don’t think so. No matter where this duck went his head still looked blue as opposed to green. I love turtles! I think these might be snapper tho ...

I have pictures of blue-headed mallards too.  Read on the internet that there may be a slight difference in feather structure so that the blue-headed ones reflect blue light instead of green, but then also read that there just are blue-headed mallards as well as green!  Well, I guess so!

P.S.  Looks like the turtles are just as glad to feel that lovely warm sun as we are!

C, huh. Weird! I think I prefer the blue-headed ones. So pretty and different. And yes, we’re all glad when the sun comes out strong!