Ring Necked Ducks at Lake Artemesia.

I flipped the coin and chose Artemesia this morning. It was kind of dreary and gray, but I figured it was worth a try.

The first hour was slow, not much light and a bit cold. The good part was that there was a large variety of birds, and about 200 Canada Geese.

I walked the loop 3 times, and almost had the place to myself. I did a little better than I had expected.

Common Goldeneye 2019-20

Yet another Common Goldeneye at Artemesia.

Double Crested Cormorant 2019-17

Double Crested Cormorant 2019-18

Several Double Crested Cormorants were fishing.

Canvasback 2019-29

Canvasback 2019-30

Only a few Canvasbacks were patrolling the lake.

Wood Duck 2019-23

Wood Duck 2019-24

A single pair of Wood Ducks was paddling about.

Northern Shoveler 23019-9

A few Northern Shovelers were foraging near shore.

Bufflehead 2019-37

Bufflehead 2019-36

Why do Buffleheads have pink feet?

Ring Necked Duck 2019-7Canada Goose 2019-14

Canada Goose 2019-15

The low light enhances this Canada Goose’s image.

Common Goldeneye 2019-19

Ring Necked Duck 2019-6

Note how the male Ring Necked Duck is firmly holding the hen with his beak, as they mate.

Ring Necked Duck 2019-5

This Ring Necked Duck has a firm grip on the hen’s head as they mate.

 

Ring Necked Duck 2019-8

A few Ring Necked Ducks were foraging.