We’ve fallen into the habit of eating our big meal mid-day, and quite often out.  While in Texas, we discovered Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen which offers menu items that appeal to both our palates.  So, Sunday, we decided to look for a Cheddar’s.

Phoenix is surrounded by smaller communities which look like a patchwork quilt on the map.  Further west and south of us is a place called Chandler.  After our late lunch we looked for a park where we could wander and maybe catch some birds.  The Desert Breeze Park turned out to be the perfect spot.

I love this statue located at the entry gates to the park.  The children look so lifelike.

Built around a water feature, this little park boasted a child-sized train and several playgrounds as well as picnic areas.  We decided to walk away from the crowds and skirt the pond, and as it was a lovely day, we were able to take our time and stop on park benches frequently.  It made for a perfect afternoon and we did manage to see our first Ring-necked duck.  This little fellow was sitting amongst Mallards and seemed to be quite proud of himself.  I can hardly blame him as  his bill is rather spectacular and his hairdo very chic.

We get plenty of Mallard ducks at home, and questioned each couple we saw as to whether or not they were the pair that landed on our pool, back in Canada, each spring. The ducks were putting on quite a show for us – lots of males fighting for female attention, but this couple seemed quite compatible swimming off by themselves.

Grackles were very noisy all along the path demanding to be seen.  I did catch this female checking out a little water feature on the side.  She is perched just at the top of a little waterfall.   I love the way the light is reflected on the water in this image.

We also saw a big hulk of a bird that I have not identified.  I was too far away and the sun was too bright behind, but the beak resembles that of a bird of prey.

All in all, it was a perfect day, although all the families with kids playing sure made me miss ours.

Next stop:  Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix.