Canvasbacks and More at Thomas Point State Park

The day looked very promising, with a bright sky and temps in the high 30s when I traveled to Thomas Point.
The Mergansers were still hanging out, along with Scaups and Buflleheads. After an hour or so, I decided to head for Quiet Waters, when I noticed a flock of Swans and Canvasbacks behind a private residence on Thomas Point Road. I saw a guy getting his paper, and he was kind enough to give me permission to use his back yard for a few minutes to get some photos, and it wwent well.
Thank you, John and Theresa!

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

Cornell:
“Along with Wood Ducks and other cavity-nesting ducks, Hooded Mergansers often lay their eggs in other females’ nests. This is called “brood parasitism” and is similar to the practice of Brown-headed Cowbirds, except that the ducks only lay eggs in nests of their own species. Female Hooded Mergansers can lay up to about 13 eggs in a clutch, but nests have been found with up to 44 eggs in them.

Bufflehead

The ducks at Thomas Point move with the current, and they often fly short distances, presumably to return to the best feeding spot, like this Bufflehead.

Cardinal

The resident Cardinal is still seeking to do battle with his rival in my mirror.

Lesser  Scaup

There’s almost always a Lesser Scaup hen close to shore.

Long Tailed Duck

Long Tailed Duck

Long Tailed Duck

I observed this Long Tailed Duck and his mate for several minutes, and I was struck by the fact that they seemed to dive in near unison.

Long Tailed Duck

The drake is tipping up prior to diving, and you can see the swirl behind him where the hen just dove.

Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan

The Tundra Swan is all grace and beauty.

Canvasback

Canvasback

Canvasback

This Canvasback hen was hanging out with a mixed flock of waterfowl.

Canvasback

Canvasback

Canvasback

Canvasback drake.

Horned Grebe

I was lucky to notice this Horned Grebe at the edge of the flock.

Lesser  Scaup

Lesser Scaup:Just because I like the lens flare.

2 thoughts on “Canvasbacks and More at Thomas Point State Park

  1. Thanks again for keeping us up to date on the waterfowl. We are planning to visit BNWR in March for the EagleFest. Perhaps we’ll see you there.

  2. I had never seen these ducks before Monday the 8th April..I called an artist friend of mine who told me the breed. They are beautiful to see but the antics of them are fun to watch. They seem to be very playful.

    On Monday there was 6 of them in front of my house and tonight there is 24. I am on the southern end of Lake Simcoe in southern Ontario. Canada. I can only assume they are having a rest as I have not seen these ducks before.The ice on the lake is still in the process of melting and the weather has been very strong winds and heavy rain..

    Last fall I had 37 trumpet swans right at the end of my dock. Now that was a sight to see and the swoosh when they took off left even my German Shepherd in total awe.

    Thanks for the nice photos maybe I should buy a new camera as taking photos of them from the dock, swimming around the dock you dont always get the photos you would really like .

    Thank You
    A.Pretty

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