For the past three weekends I have encountered a single Redhead Duck during my weekly visits to the lake.
While researching this duck one source noted that this species has suffered from habitat destruction and hunting to the point that it is now one of the least common of the North American ducks. Other sources referred to it as the most common breeding diving duck in the United States. Although the information from these sources seems to conflict perhaps they are both correct as many of our diving ducks nest in Canada.
What ever the correct information is remains a question for me but I can attest to seeing one lonely Redhead during each of my visits and this is the best photograph I have captured to date.
While researching this duck one source noted that this species has suffered from habitat destruction and hunting to the point that it is now one of the least common of the North American ducks. Other sources referred to it as the most common breeding diving duck in the United States. Although the information from these sources seems to conflict perhaps they are both correct as many of our diving ducks nest in Canada.
What ever the correct information is remains a question for me but I can attest to seeing one lonely Redhead during each of my visits and this is the best photograph I have captured to date.
This is a beautiful photo! Sad to hear about its possible decline due to habitat destruction. Seems to be the case w/ many of our birds - sad to say.
ReplyDeleteNice photo! I have never seen one of these before.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen one either, but he/she has a really pretty bill - it's different colors. He looks pretty bobbing in the blue water...debbie
ReplyDeleteI love a good hydro-biological mystery, especially when conflicting streams of data or thought are involved. It's interesting to unravel where both came from, usually each has a few threads of truth. And great shot: I've never seen one myself.
ReplyDeleteI think I have only seen Redheads in Alaska. Its wonderful that you had the chance to experience one up close.
ReplyDeleteI see birds around here that are now rare in other parts of England... and then of course birds such as our sparrows and starlings are not to be see for weeks. At one time our garden was full of them.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed seeing and reading about your wildfowl and seeing ones we do not get over here.
Lonely but beautiful. This is a very nice picture, taken with a low angle. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteSalty: I certainly see where it gets its name. It is a neat photo.
ReplyDeleteCoy: I saw the sme duck Saturday evening after we talked in the morning. I was back fishing and able to get quit close to it unfortunatly no camera.
ReplyDeleteGood shot.
That's a rather sad story and commentery on whats happening to our wildlife.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture of a very pretty bird. I don't think I have ever seen one of those before.
Outstanding photo, what a beautiful duck!
ReplyDeleteThis is scary. I used to see hundreds of Redheads in the Prince Lakes in Boulder County, CO. Recently the area has been developed, say in the last 7 years. All of the thousands of Pintails have gone. I don't know how the readhead are doing there.
ReplyDeleteI've just seen a redhead, and how beautiful. I hope it comes back to visit again!! Somewhere in the Pa. Mountains..... 05/19/2010
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