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

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

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.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

HVRHS bus routes

Bus routes are subject to change. Check www.region1schools.org for updates.


Keep ReadingShow less
Region One elementary school bus routes

Bus routes are subject to change. Check www.region1schools.org for updates.


Keep ReadingShow less
Clyde Perham Weed
Clyde Perham Weed
Clyde Perham Weed

CORNWALL — Clyde Perham Weed, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in West Cornwall, Connecticut on Sunday, August 17.

Clyde was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Jeanne and Herbert Weed. He was the grandson and namesake of Clyde E. Weed, Chairman of the board of Anaconda Copper.

Keep ReadingShow less
Backgammon series begins at Hotchkiss Library of Sharon
Backgammon lessons kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 13, at The Hotchkiss Library. Instructor Roger Lourie works with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, while his wife, Claude, assists at a second board with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury.
Leila Hawken

In light of rising local interest in the centuries-old game of Backgammon, Wednesday afternoon backgammon instruction and play sessions are being offered at The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon. The first such session was held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, attracting two enthusiastic participants, both of whom resolved to return for the weekly sessions.

Expert player and instructor Roger Lourie of Sharon, along with his equally expert wife, Claude, led the session, jumping right into the action of playing the game. Claude chose to pair with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury, a moderately experienced player looking to improve her skills, while Lourie teamed himself with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, who was new to the game.

Keep ReadingShow less