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| Hooded Mergansers |
Gerry and I visited Herrick's Cove in Bellows Falls, Vermont yesterday and "the setbacks" in Hinsdale, New Hampshire today. Both places are great spots for watching spring's migrating birds.
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| Hooded Merganser |
The males can raise or lower their "hoods" - trying to impress his mate, no doubt!
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| Hooded Merganser |
Hoodies are diving ducks with legs far back on their bodies which makes them look pretty low in the water.
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| Ring-necked Ducks |
It's spring and time to mate so this female has her hands full, or should I say webbed feet full, of male suitors. There were 8 males swimming around her the whole time we were there. She did her best to lose them but they stuck by her side (probably saying "pick me!" "pick me!")
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| Ring-necked Duck |
There is a ring around the neck, it's chestnut brown in color. In the right light, when the duck extends his head and neck, you can sometimes notice it.
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| Lesser Scaup pair |
We find both Greater and Lesser Scaup on the CT River and telling them apart at a distance can be a challenge. Head shape is the key with the Lesser having a peak at the back of his head.
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| Ring-necked duck (front) and American Wigeon |
The Wigeon used to be call "Baldpate" because the white on his forehead looks like a bald man's head. Here's a dabbling duck (wigeon) next to a diving duck (ring-necked). You can see how low the diving duck sits on the water compared to the dabbler.
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| Gadwall |
Not a very showing duck, this male Gadwall, a dabbler, has a black rump and dark bill.
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