I was up and out early this morning for a little photography before work. I am not really a birder but I find they make fascinating photographic subjects. I am always excited when I capture a new species for the first time and that was the case today. Pictured above are a male and female Ring Necked Duck. It is not at all clear to me why they have this name but I checked my ornithology references twice to make sure I made the correct identification. Below you will find a Tree Swallow. They are very common but notoriously difficult to photograph in flight. To get the shot, I set up on this bird house and waited until one came by to visit.