American vs. Eurasian Wigeon Race
And we’re off! The race between the American and Eurasian (Wigeons) has the latter taking an early lead, but the vocal American is yelling his way to the front. Take a look at that loud bill action! This Eurasian has a history of racing, with it also besting another American recently as you can see in the other photo.
Read MoreAmerican Coot (Fulica americana) in the rain
This American Coot (Fulica americana) was photographed earlier this week, not trying to dodge any of the drops while displaying its waterproof winter coat. We have had to wear our waterproof jackets frequently lately as much of the Northeast has been targeted with a lot more rain than snow. We currently have a couple of unseasonably warm and sunny days on tap which at least provide a great excuse to get outdoors to enjoy the winter wonders of nature with family and friends. By this time next week the temperature will have dropped and we may be thinking about snow to start off 2015. We all...
Read MoreCommon Goldeneye X Hooded Merganser Hybrid Duck
Our good friend, birder and veterinarian, Dr. William Seleen found a remarkable and fascinating bird during our local Jamestown, New York Christmas Bird Count on December 14. Take a look at the photo below and see if you can find the duck that is out of place in this group on Chautauqua Lake. Yep, the bird in the middle at the back is the one. Do you know the identity of the other waterfowl? Those are Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and this flock held approximately 75 individuals. Once I saw the photo of this individual I was able to identify it almost instantly. Any more thoughts on...
Read MoreAmerican Coots (Fulica americana)
Here is a series of photographs recently taken of two American Coots as they were swimming and feeding on a sunny day. The lovely weather permitted me to snap off some shots while they eagerly dived for food. Watch how one bird gets a sense of the snack it wants, some delicious aquatic vegetation, circling with its head facing downward. They must have some sensational, well-tuned sight to be able to see so well down through the water column. Once it decides what to grab…down it goes in a splash! The other bird, having followed the first nearly the entire time, circling in the same...
Read MoreLong-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis)
It is December duck time! I have been enjoying some of the new arrivals across our region as birds like Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Greater and Lesser Scaups, Ring-necked Ducks, Redheads, and these Long-tailed Ducks make their way to our shores. This species of diving duck certainly spends a long time underwater when it is feeding. It can even go down to near 200 feet! Their incredible patterns almost appeared camouflaged against the water on this cloudy late autumn day. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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