Drake Harlequin Duck Swimming
Here is our pal the drake Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) making steady progress molting into his beautiful blue plumage. The species loves rocky, surf-battered coastal shores like ours here at Stratford Point in Stratford, Connecticut, and you can see it eagerly and adeptly riding the waves right at the tip of the point in between feeding. Growing in so many new feathers takes a lot of energy. It also means that a lot of maintenance has to be done, and he preens almost endlessly when he is not feeding or swimming. This growth reduces his flight skill and stamina, and migrating...
Read MoreHarlequin 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 MoreCardinal in Low Winter Sun
I recently photographed this Northern Cardinal in the early morning and low winter sun as it was soaking up the rays to warm up on a chilly day. It did not sing, or at least not yet. It will not be long before the species begins to call out on territories across the landscape while the sun rises in height in the sky each and every day. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBelted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
While we may be looking for more of that “winter” feeling and some seasonal snowfall, especially in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region for our winter trails cell phone tour, this Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was enjoying an open pond to fish in. After chatting with me for a little bit, rattling away, it went back to its business, looking for prey and then up to the sky. Perhaps it was wondering where all that snow is… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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