Sunday, May 03, 2009

Still Here: Redhead Duck


Visiting the lake again Saturday morning I was somewhat surprised to find that the lonely Redhead is still here.

All of the other migratory waterfowl species have now moved on. Since last week the pied-billed grebes and the loons have departed leaving only the single redhead along with the nesting Canada geese, woodducks, and mallards.

I noticed this year that the exodus of the diving ducks coincided with the end of the perch spawn. Perch spawn in 2-5 feet of water while the water is still quite cold. The egg masses form long gelatinous masses easily visible from the boat on a calm day. I also noticed during the spawn that wherever I noticed a group of divers a closer look would reveal perch spawn littering the bottom. Perhaps perch eggs are the delicacy that draws the migratory duck to this little lake.

The Redhead appears to be healthy and will take to the air if approached too closely only flying a short distance and swimming back to his favorite stretch of shoreline soon after I move past.

I plan on watching for this duck’s late departure as he has stayed much later than normal for ducks of his species.

12 comments:

Ranger said...

Great shot. Maybe the red head will stay around.

Anonymous said...

Maybe he missed the boat and doesn't know where to go. He is quite handsome. Perhaps he lost his mate and is pinning away?...debbie

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

It's a good thing he stayed later,because that is a beautiful shot.
Blessings,Ruth

Rajesh said...

Amazing picture.

Michele said...

That is truly a gorgeous shot... haven't seen a redhead duck before.. at least I don't think so...

Brad Myers said...

Coy, maybe he knows you are getting some good photos of him so he is sticking around to let you get more keepers. With all this rain it will be hard to shoot for the next few days, and then we will need our mowers.

Anonymous said...

I don't think I have ever seen a redhead before. It sure is a striking picture, Salty.

lv2scpbk said...

Nice shot. I seen a white duck at Tallyrand Park yesterday and got a photo. Will be posting later on in the week.

Montanagirl said...

This is a nice shot. Perfect setting. You get such great photos!

Juan C. Aguero said...

Greetings, very interesting.

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
A really great shot. I love the low angle there, it gives a very good feeling. It's nice you got it. Well done.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Never saw these but maybe some day one will visit.