In a world turned upside down by COVID-19, the ducks return
Migratory waterfowl are returning to the Northwest Corner, a herald of the arrival of spring weather. Look for wood ducks, such as this lone male. Photo by Michael Moschen

In a world turned upside down by COVID-19, the ducks return

Previews of spring have been unveiling themselves through the steady arrival of migratory waterfowl species, particularly ducks, that are moving northward toward Canada and Alaska to breed.

Diving ducks such as Common Mergansers and Ring-necked Ducks can be readily spotted on freshwater bodies in the area, though Ring-necked ducks tend to prefer more sheltered ponds or lakes that are bordered by forest. Look for either species in small or large groups.

Common Merganser males are bright white, with dark green heads sporting a ragged crest, and pointed red bills, while the females have gray bodies and rust-colored heads.

Ring-necked Duck males have dark heads, necks and backs, with gray sides, while females are a more subtle mix of gray and brown.

Note that the ring on the neck of Ring-necked Ducks is almost never visible, but luckily their bills also have distinctive white “rings” at the base and the tip that differentiate the Ring-neck from the similar Lesser Scaup (also a northbound migrant) that has a solid-colored bill.

Various species of dabbling ducks are also moving north, with the brilliantly colored chestnut and emerald head of the male Green-winged Teal a delight to observe in marshes or shallow water bodies.

In addition to the migrants passing through, some resident ducks have arrived to breed here. Wood ducks are selecting mates and beginning to scout out nest sites in riparian tree cavities and nest boxes. You may have stumbled upon a pair along a pond’s edge and heard the distinctive “oowheak!” from the female as the pair frantically flew away. This species startles more easily than others, so approach with caution for closer observations if you don’t have binoculars.

Additionally, keep an eye out for the unmistakable male Hooded Mergansers, a resident diving duck, whose magnificent black and white crest captures the interest of both beginner birders and seasoned ones alike.       

Now is an undoubtedly exciting time to brush up on your waterfowl identification or learn a new bird, so consider making time to go explore your nearby ponds, lakes or rivers!

 

Bethany Sheffer is the naturalist at Sharon Aubudon.

Latest News

Donald Francis ‘Frank’ McNally

MILLERTON — Donald Francis “Frank” McNally Jr., passed away peacefully at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025, after a short illness. Frank was a resident of Millerton since 1996. He was born on Jan. 27, 1955, in Cold Spring, New York, at Butterfield Hospital and was raised in Garrison, New York, where he enjoyed exploring and camping in the wilderness of the Hudson Valley, participating in the Boy Scouts as a bugler, and competing as captain of his high school wrestling team.

He was a graduate of James I. O’Neill High School in Highland Falls class of ‘74 and SUNY Cobleskill class of ‘76 where he majored in animal husbandry, specializing in equine science. He then proudly volunteered for the United States Peace Corps where he accepted an assignment to his host country of the Philippines, where he met his wife. Frank would then pursue his lifelong passion for horses and horseback riding on several horse farms in Dutchess County. Later he would work for New York state where he would then retire, spending his time caring for animals, reading, fishing and taking photographs. Frank enjoyed a good laugh with family and friends, while also occasionally winning a game of RISK. Frank was an avid reader, often reading several books a week while in the constant company of his cat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Eugenia Cooper

NORFOLK — Florence Eugenia Cooper died on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the age of 92 at Geer Lodge in Canaan, Connecticut where she had been a resident for 2 ½ years. She also spent a couple of days a week at the home of her daughter, the artist Hilary Cooper and her husband Chris Crowley, in Lakeville.

Florence (neé Muhas) was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Greek immigrants. She went to local public schools and then to college at Barnard where she was mentored by Professor of Religion Ursula Niebuhr, wife of the philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr, who urged her to go to her alma mater St Hugh’s College, Oxford University where she earned a D. Phil degree. Later, she received an M.A. in foreign policy with a specialty in China, at the London School of Economics.

Keep ReadingShow less
Frederick Ralph Scoville II

WEST CORNWALL — Frederick Ralph Scoville II, 72, of 243 Town St., died Jan. 7, 2025, at the Waterbury Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Fred was the husband of 45 years to Lynn (Pollard) Scoville. Fred was born in Torrington, son of the late Ralph and Thalia (Hicock) Scoville.

Fred spent his whole life in West Cornwall. He attended Cornwall Consolidated and Housatonic Valley Regional High School. The only time he left was to attend the University of Connecticut for animal science. After school he came home to work with his father on the family farm taking over full-time in 1996 milking dairy cattle and selling hay. His life passion was the farm. He could always be found tinkering on equipment or surveying the neighborhood on his golf cart. The only thing that rivaled the farm was his love of his family. His wife, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren meant the world to Fred.

Keep ReadingShow less
Violet Leila Woods

MILLERTON — Violet Leila Woods, 95, passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born on Jan. 23, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. Following birth, Violet resided in Millerton, New York, where she lived until moving to Jacksonville, Florida following her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Woods; her parents, Henry George Rice and Eurie Marion Rice; her ten siblings; Audrey, Glendon, Joseph, George, Robert, Gordon, Beulah, Marion, Edith, and Betty. Violet, more commonly known as “Vi” lived a long, fulfilling, and wonderful life spent with family and friends.

Day to day, Violet spent time playing sudoku puzzles and was an avid reader, finding joy in exchanging books with friends. She also found great joy playing bingo, pinnacle, poker, and had a lifelong passion for knitting and crocheting, which she learned from her mother. Many friends or relatives have received sweaters, blankets, and afghans hand-made by Vi. Her handmade gifts truly touched the lives of many.

Keep ReadingShow less