From Wikipedia:
“The Gadwall breeds in the northern areas of Europe and Asia, and central North America. In North America, its breeding range lies along the Saint Lawrence River, through the Great Lakes, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Dakotas, south to Kansas, west to California, and along coastal Pacific Canada and southern coastal Alaska.[2][4] The range of this bird appears to be expanding into eastern North America. This dabbling duck is strongly migratory, and winters farther south than its breeding range, from coastal Alaska, south into Central America, and east into Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, Virginia, and then south all the way into Central America.[2][4] Its conservation status is Least Concern.[1]

There was an early Osprey reported at Quiet Waters yesterday, but I didn’t find it. I settled for this pair of Red Breasted Mergansers.

Wikipedia:
“The Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) is a small North American diving duck that migrates south as far as Central America in winter. It is colloquially known as the Little Bluebill or Broadbill because of its distinctive blue bill. The origin of the name scaup may stem from the bird’s preference for feeding on scalp – the Scottish word for clams, oysters, and mussels, however, some give it credit to the female’s discordant scaup call as the name’s source.[1] It is apparently a very close relative of the Holarctic Greater Scaup or “bluebill” (A. marila), with which it forms a superspecies.[2]”

The interplay of light and water is fascinating.

Still water with Mallards.

The only time this Hooded Merganser got closer, I scared him off.

Many birds were flying about, so I stayed a while to try for some flight photos.

Bald Eagle:just to prove I saw him.

Ever wonder why it’s called, “Long Tailed”?

Canvasbacks often assume this posture, and I don’t know what it’s about.

I often see Great Blue Herons in the quiet coves.

As is usual with the Belted Kingfisher, I heard this bird long before I saw him.
I watched him for 15 minutes or so as he flew back and forth in the cove.

The Lesser Scaup continues to pose readily.

3-4 Common Goldeneyes were fishing right off the point.

Long Tailed Ducks are still present in small numbers.

Mallards are a striking sight in flight.

One of several hundred Canvasbacks sheltering in the cove.

I don’t know if these Canvasbacks are sleeping or just trying to stay warm.

Just a portion of the large flock of Canvasbacks.

I’m trying to get an ID for this duck. Update: Ruddy Duck.

Groups of birds flew in and out of the flock occasionally.