Thank you for the beautiful photos and interesting facts about one of my favorite ducks (it's hard to choose just one). Watching waterfowl on our pond in spring restores my sanity in this time of chaos and uncertainty.
So much great information on the Bufflehead, James. I did not know they were cavity nesters. That first photo really shows the colours nicely - especially behind the cheek/lower head.
I can never seem to get a decent photo of them when they migrate through here in Ottawa. The ones that do seem quite shy and stay well away from the shoreline.
I do like that description of them "bobbing to the surface like a little black-and-white cork." A most appropriate description! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Neil! They’re fascinating little ducks, so much personality—a pleasure to watch. They do often go far from shore but smaller water bodies let me get close. I hope you get some great shots next winter!
Great piece, James. I'm learning more about birds from you than anywhere. Where did the Bufflehead get its name? What is usual about their take offs and diving? And how do they assume ownership of a flicker's nest? You share all that information in a crisp, smart style. Fascinating.
They are just so darn cute! I had no idea they were monogamous or cavity nesters or exclusively like Flicker cavities. That makes me like Flickers even more that they provide homes for possibly the cutest ducks. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful post on the Buffleheads, James. They're one of my favorites and your photos and write up really remind me of why. Great sprinters in flight and diving. I didn't know that they specifically nest in Northern Flicker cavities. We have both species around here and you've helped me understand their synergy. Great photos!
Thank you, Heidi. “Sprinters” is so apt. Tiny and fast, not always a breeze to capture in a photo! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos of these beautiful little ducks!
Thank you, James, for this wonderfully detailed description of Bufflehead ducks. Your mention of Wood Ducks prompts me to note two pair have become regular visitors in a nearby pond here in Tallahassee. Rapid departures their specialty. I’m so grateful for your service helping us learn about bird species at our back doorstep we often fail to notice.
Absolutely adorable little bird. He looks like a cartoon. I suppose they live somewhere in California, but I have never seen one. Your photo of the northern flicker is amazing, James. What a wonderful capture!
They’re a profoundly cute little duck, that’s for sure! They do occur in CA, I hope you get to see one soon! Thank you for your kind words about my flicker photo.
I used to be loath to call a duck “cute,” but there really is no better word. Definitely bittersweet when, come March, I start seeing fewer ducks and start dreaming of Blackburnians, Cape May, and Prothonotary.
Thank you for the beautiful photos and interesting facts about one of my favorite ducks (it's hard to choose just one). Watching waterfowl on our pond in spring restores my sanity in this time of chaos and uncertainty.
Glad you enjoyed it, Joni! Waterfowl are calm wonders that help center us in times of turmoil
In Massachusetts, old-timers called buffleheads, butterballs.
Another very fitting name for them!
So much great information on the Bufflehead, James. I did not know they were cavity nesters. That first photo really shows the colours nicely - especially behind the cheek/lower head.
I can never seem to get a decent photo of them when they migrate through here in Ottawa. The ones that do seem quite shy and stay well away from the shoreline.
I do like that description of them "bobbing to the surface like a little black-and-white cork." A most appropriate description! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Neil! They’re fascinating little ducks, so much personality—a pleasure to watch. They do often go far from shore but smaller water bodies let me get close. I hope you get some great shots next winter!
and those adorable pink feet!
An easy to overlook cute element of a duck with so many cute elements!
Great piece, James. I'm learning more about birds from you than anywhere. Where did the Bufflehead get its name? What is usual about their take offs and diving? And how do they assume ownership of a flicker's nest? You share all that information in a crisp, smart style. Fascinating.
Thank you Tom! Happy to hear you find my posts educational
They are just so darn cute! I had no idea they were monogamous or cavity nesters or exclusively like Flicker cavities. That makes me like Flickers even more that they provide homes for possibly the cutest ducks. Thanks for sharing!
And right after I posted this, a Flicker started calling in my backyard!
Wonderful post on the Buffleheads, James. They're one of my favorites and your photos and write up really remind me of why. Great sprinters in flight and diving. I didn't know that they specifically nest in Northern Flicker cavities. We have both species around here and you've helped me understand their synergy. Great photos!
Thank you, Heidi. “Sprinters” is so apt. Tiny and fast, not always a breeze to capture in a photo! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos of these beautiful little ducks!
Favorite duck! Great shots and info!
Thank you! I remembered it was your favorite duck! Tough to beat
Thank you, James, for this wonderfully detailed description of Bufflehead ducks. Your mention of Wood Ducks prompts me to note two pair have become regular visitors in a nearby pond here in Tallahassee. Rapid departures their specialty. I’m so grateful for your service helping us learn about bird species at our back doorstep we often fail to notice.
Thank you, Gary. Very lucky to have regular Wood Ducks at your nearby pond! Thank you for reading and I appreciate your comment.
Absolutely adorable little bird. He looks like a cartoon. I suppose they live somewhere in California, but I have never seen one. Your photo of the northern flicker is amazing, James. What a wonderful capture!
They’re a profoundly cute little duck, that’s for sure! They do occur in CA, I hope you get to see one soon! Thank you for your kind words about my flicker photo.
Love watching them too...thanks for all the info on them!
Glad you enjoyed, Sheryl!
Cutest duck. No competition. Beautiful photos, James. I'm ready for waves of warblers, but I'm going to miss the winter ducks.
I used to be loath to call a duck “cute,” but there really is no better word. Definitely bittersweet when, come March, I start seeing fewer ducks and start dreaming of Blackburnians, Cape May, and Prothonotary.
Just can’t get around it.
One can spend a lot of time watching them dive and come bobbing to the surface.
They are an enchanting little species of waterfowl.
Indeed, what’s not to love!
I’m so glad that they’ve decided to seasonally stop by for a visit here.