Oak leaves falling on Mallards
What do you believe the birds think as the world is literally falling around them? The bright, vibrant existence most of them are born into during the spring and the summer suddenly fades in the Northeast with cooling temperatures, shortening days and leaves floating to the earth from increasingly bare trees. Here is their reality collapsing further on a crisp November autumn day as these Mallards feed and contemplate, possibly wondering when the process will begin to reverse.
Read MoreSycamore Tree on a pond
The brilliant autumn foliage surrounding this pond was being guarded by a sizable Sycamore Tree. A couple dozen camera-shy Mallard and American Black Ducks were present and more waterfowl will be moving in shortly. In a couple of months this very spot may be enveloped in ice and snow, pure white with the tree looking as if it has arctic camouflage. I will be sure to return to find some colder charm then. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreNorthern Pintails: male and female
As we get deeper into autumn we also receive a greater diversity of waterfowl joining us in the Northeast. I wanted to share some photos of male and female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) that I took last week in the middle of a large flock of Mallard and American Black Duck. Some of them were more interested in mating than anything else making it difficult for the Pintails trying to feed, preen and stretch. I noticed the male first due to its distinctive plumage that always helps it stands out well in a crowd. Northern Pintails are slender birds and males have a long, pointed tail that help...
Read MoreDucks galore
Some of the ducks we spotted in one Chautauqua County location yesterday included Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck and Hooded Merganser. We’re finally melting!
Read MoreHeadless duck
A great variety of ducks have been pouring through Connecticut in the last month. Visiting any open coastal location inevitably leads to some excellent sightings of a bunch of species. The Housatonic River has some terrific spots to find birds like this “headless” individual. I feel like not seeing the head of this bird still makes for an easy identification…but that may because I know what it is. Huh? It can be disconcerting to try to identify a species when you cannot even see any part of the neck or head. There is something in our minds that turns it into a confusing...
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