The crisp, early morning cold did not keep us away but it sure kept the ducks away during a visit specifically to see the great variety of ducks that winter at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. We did not have much luck with ducks or many other birds for that matter. That’s just the way it is out in the wild. Some days you just can’t believe your luck and other days it just does not pay to get out of bed. A sampling of some of today’s images. . . .

An Osprey clutches a freshly caught fish in its talons.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

A Great Egret coming into its silky breeding plumage, called aigrettes, which is where the bird gets its name.

A Royal Tern, blurry foreground, with two Cormorants.

Roseate Spoonbill