Monday, March 25, 2013

Dabblers and Divers on the Connecticut River

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.

Hooded Merganser
The males can raise or lower their "hoods" - trying to impress his mate, no doubt!

Hooded Merganser
Hoodies are diving ducks with legs far back on their bodies which makes them look pretty low in the water.

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!")

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.

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. 

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.

Gadwall
Not a very showing duck, this male Gadwall, a dabbler, has a black rump and dark bill.

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