Harlequin Duck Video
Here is some HD video of that drake Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) doing all sorts of preening as he molts into his stunning breeding season shades. He seems content while working away at his feathers on a hot and sunny September day with Herring and Laughing Gulls on the rocks off Stratford Point in Stratford, Connecticut.
Read MoreHarlequin Duck
This is a drake Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) that is in the middle of molting into that gorgeously patterned blue breeding plumage. It may not be winter yet but they do enjoy wintering on rocky, surf-battered coastal shores like this one here at Stratford Point in Stratford, Connecticut. Between the fact it is doing nonstop preening as its fresh feathers come in, thus making a long uncertain flight an unpleasant notion, and the quality of the habitat here we feel like we stand a good chance of keeping this bird for a while. Fingers crossed! He will be a real stunner soon. Scott...
Read MoreSpiffy Surf Scoters
These Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) sure are looking spiffy! Their spring colors of sorts stand out on the gray and still cold water. Waterfowl migration is well underway now as species like the “skunk-headed coot” seen here are on the way out until next fall.
Read MoreJuvenile male Green-breasted Mangos (Anthracothorax prevostii)
Here we have some juvenile male Green-breasted Mangos (Anthracothorax prevostii) as taken last week in Costa Rica by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser. You can see their progress in becoming full adults as their feathers fill in to more brilliant shades. Remember, birds are always usually active in either migrating, breeding, or molting, and it is molting season for many species across our quarter of the world right now.
Read MoreAmerican Pygmy Kingfisher banding
RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser discusses an American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) and compares it with the Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) in Costa Rica’s Curu Wildlife Reserve. He talks about banding, molts and the tropical research on such resident species like the American Pygmy Kingfisher with their relatively unknown biology. Video by RTPI President Twan Leenders in December 2013.
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