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!
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.
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.
The resident Cardinal is still seeking to do battle with his rival in my mirror.
There’s almost always a Lesser Scaup hen close to shore.
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.
The drake is tipping up prior to diving, and you can see the swirl behind him where the hen just dove.
The Tundra Swan is all grace and beauty.
This Canvasback hen was hanging out with a mixed flock of waterfowl.
Canvasback drake.
I was lucky to notice this Horned Grebe at the edge of the flock.
Lesser Scaup:Just because I like the lens flare.