Mid March Waterfowl
Hooded Merganser
This morning I headed out with Mike D to find some mid March waterfowl that are moving through the area. Actually, it was more of a trip to enjoy nature and get a few birds checked off my year list. We ended up locating 39 species of birds and 8 of which were my first for 2008!
Canada Goose landing at Swamp Road
My first for 2008’s included the American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintails, Great-blue Heron, Killdeer, Song Sparrow, Brown Creeper, and Brown-headed Cowbird (8 x CHECK). Other highlights included seeing a Canvasback, Woodduck, Common Goldeneye, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Tundra Swan, and Eastern Bluebird.
Older Woodduck photo from April 2007
I greatly enjoyed my day with Mike and even better are finding newly arrived species! We also captured a great Muskrat video that I will be posting here soon!
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Great day list. That Hooded Merganzer photo is great. You rarely get to see that hook on the end of the bill. The color is great too. It makes me want to try to paint it despite it being mostly black.
15 March 2008 at 7:41 pm
I remember the first time I saw a Hooded Merganser. I thought it was the most exotic duck I had ever seen. I still love seeing them. That Woodduck is gorgeous.
15 March 2008 at 7:48 pm
I have only seen a Hooded Merganser in winter plumage – that photo is really beautiful.
15 March 2008 at 10:07 pm
Great ducky day! I saw my first RWBL today-yay Spring is on the way-oh and a Song Sparrow for me too. That’s a great Hoodie shot!
15 March 2008 at 10:41 pm
Hopefully some of those birds will start across the Great Lakes soon. Today I checked out some of our local kettle lakes that are great for observing migrating birds. But they are still solidly frozen over. I really like Wood ducks, but the Hooded Merganser is pretty impressive as well.
15 March 2008 at 10:43 pm
@ Lisa – thanks and how cool that this could inspire you to paint!
@ Robin – they are funny looking for sure!
@ NatureShutterbug – thanks you talking basic plumage or alternate plumage (what it’s in above)?
@ Marg – About time you saw your first Red-winged Blackbird! Spring is getting closer and sweet with the Song Sparrow! Actually I didn’t see it but did hear it!
@ Ruth – I am sending them your direction and we only had a few locations that open water was available! Took some driving but did find some great birdies! Thanks
15 March 2008 at 11:12 pm
What a beautiful Hooded Merganser. I love woodducks, too. We do come across those when we fish. That’s half the fun of fishing, seeing all the pretty birds that come and go.
16 March 2008 at 12:59 am
Being fairly new to birding, I don’t know if I’ll remember the name “Hooded Merganser” but visually it is not a bird I will forget… looks like a regal, warrior duck. Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing.
16 March 2008 at 2:00 am
Sounds like a great day of birding…Love those days when one can get some many first of year birds.
16 March 2008 at 5:58 am
@ Linda – thanks and without a doubt that fishing gets people outside enjoying nature! That’s what it’s all about!
@ Pinar – Thanks for your kind words and they are great birds for sure!
@ Vern – sure was and I do love this time of the year! Seems like most every day something is showing up! April is even better!
16 March 2008 at 8:49 am
I’ve never seen a Woodduck, but am so enthralled by their coloring. They remind me of a harlequin!
16 March 2008 at 8:50 am
WOW! Amazing pictures! Sounds like a good day birding.
16 March 2008 at 9:21 am
Dear Tom,
I really like your idea of a year list. I started one for 2008. You did see lots of waterfowl. Brown Creeper is so tiny and cute. Looking forward to muskrat video!
Sherry
16 March 2008 at 9:51 am
The hooded merganser picture is so good!!! What nice detail and color. I wish I could get closer to the waterfowl. Can’t wait to see the muskrat video!
16 March 2008 at 2:42 pm
I love the way the water riffles around the birds!
16 March 2008 at 4:36 pm
O.O wow.. those birds are beautiful.
16 March 2008 at 7:21 pm
What a wonderful morning you had. The merganser guy is a “wow” photo. What a handsome fowl.
16 March 2008 at 7:32 pm
This is what I photographed – you’ll have to tell me what it is. Thanks.
16 March 2008 at 8:11 pm
Fantastic Hooded Merganser photo! Wish you lived in CT so you could give me some photography lessons.
16 March 2008 at 8:42 pm
@ Jayne – they are amazing birds to see up close!
@ YNJ- thanks and was a great birding day!
@ Sherry – Thanks and glad you are keeping a year list! Is fun to see what you find each year!
@ Barb – thanks and they are great birds! The Muskrat video is posted!
@ threecollie – thanks
@ Floweret – thanks
@ Barb – sure was and thanks
@ NatureShutterbug – looks like a Juv plumaged bird! Thanks
@ Larry – thanks and my photography lesson is be out enjoying nature as much as you can and luck will become you!
16 March 2008 at 11:02 pm
Absolutely STUNNING photos, Tom! I am so happy that spring is almost here. Seeing certain birds return is such a treat!
17 March 2008 at 7:21 pm
Sounds like a great day of birding – all of the migrants are starting to show then?
18 March 2008 at 6:44 pm
SERIOUSLY, I want to take a trip with you!!
You have so much to see and it is just incredible!
I’m so glad you share what is available to you, it’s just beautiful. Thank you!
24 March 2008 at 9:32 pm