Swimming with the Ducks

With a nice day forecast and the boat trailing behind, I headed for a lake early yesterday.  Although a high of 61 was called for, the trucks thermometer indicated 27 degrees Fahrenheit as I arrived at launch ramp with the sun beginning to peak over the eastern horizon.  After an hour or so of nice morning light clouds moved in covering the sky for the duration of my outing.  

Waterfowl was plentiful with a nice variety of species present.  The highlight of the trip was an encounter with a accommodating flock of Bufflehead ducks who allowed me to approach quite closely.  Comparing to my outing last Friday, the Tundra Swans and Greater Scaup had moved on, however Green-winged teal, Lesser Scaup, and Red-breasted Merganser made their appearance.  The numbers of Hooded Merganser and Ring-neck Ducks were lower while the numbers of Gadwall and Horned Grebe, had increased.

When the day turned breezy under dreary cloudy skies I stashed the cameras and broke out a fishing rod to try my luck for the first time this spring.  Four yellow perch and three crappies later it was time to load up and head home.

Male Bufflehead

Bufflehead, two males with a lone female

Bufflehead pair

Ring-necked Ducks

Ring-necked male showing his chestnut neck ring

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebes take flight

There is nothing common about the beauty of the Common Loon

Common Loon

Red-breasted Merganser males, a first for the year

Scaup taking off,

Not sure of the identity but am leaning towards them being of the Lesser variety 

Green-winged Teal exploding from a marshy area