A final set of photos from Wednesday’s walk at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

A rich variety of wildlife makes every visit a fascinating new adventure.

(The ducks pictured above are a new species for me, and I would love a little help identifying them. Are they Gadwalls?)

As much as I enjoyed taking these photos, I regret that I missed the deer.

And I’m aching to know who left the following tracks on a patch of sand near the trail.

There were two sets of tracks, side-by-side, moving in the same direction. The footprints were slightly smudged, but the tail-drag marks were clear enough. What do you think? Did I miss otters? Or are the tracks more lizard-like?

I can’t resist a mystery, and I would love to add deer photos to the archive. I’m already planning my next walk…