Common Goldeneye
The drake Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) on the right was swimming with several others of the species in this extremely cropped shot. They were a little too far for my taste, but I was fortunately able to snap a photo at the right second as he was about to devour what looks like a delicious mussel. I think it would feel a little better going down for him than me. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreFreshwater Mussels
Is it just me, or does it seem this mussel is sticking it’s tongue out at us? Interestingly, mussels don’t have tongues at all! The white, fleshy protrusion you see is actually referred to as the mussel’s foot. While we often don’t witness mussels moving, as they do it very slowly, this is exactly what this one is attempting to do. Mussels will use their muscular foot to inch themselves across a stream or river bed when they feel they are in danger or need to find a more suitable area to settle. Once in place, a freshwater mussel will often bury itself into the...
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