By Rey Wells
Waterfowl are among the first to migrate north. They start in late winter and continue into early spring. One species I am always watchful for in April in northern New York State is the diminutive Bufflehead duck. Some pass through here on their way much further north. Some nest in an immense area between the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay. Others continue on to northwest Canada and Alaska. In the spring of 2013, I photographed a pair on a small pond near the Yukon River north of Fairbanks.
A few days ago, I checked out a prime location at our local Battenkill River. A pair of Buffleheads was hanging out with several Canada Geese. Here they are with a gander beyond them that is splashing after its intended mate. The morning was cold and gray. The distance was considerable. To steady the camera, I placed my elbows on the warm hood of the car. That provided multiple benefits. But my feet got cold.
I had a far better setup for Buffleheads several years ago in Florida. The site was Sweetwater Wetlands near Gainesville. There, I sat on a grassy dike on a warm late January morning with the sun at my back. And the ducks were much closer. Given the right lighting, the non-white parts of the male’s head and neck exhibit considerable iridescence as seen here.
Yesterday was a late winter day – cold and very windy. It was still cold this morning, but the sun was shining. I went out to check a few wet spots. At the last one, I found a pair of Green-winged Teal ducks. The last time I saw these north of Florida was along the Chena River in late May near Fairbanks. That was in 2013, also.
There were also three Mallard drakes there. They had likely already made their sole contribution to raising the next generation by impregnating three females. One of them decided that he wanted to use the hummock that the teal rested on. So, as a much larger duck, he evicted them without resistance. Here he is doing it. I don’t know if there were any vocalizations by either species.
Here is the pair from this morning. It was about 9:00, and they were taking a break from foraging. Both have an area of bright green feathers along the trailing edges of their wings near their bodies. It is typically not visible when they are not in flight. I missed an opportunity when I shifted myself for a little more comfort. He chose that moment to ruffle and expose the green on his wings. Green-winged Teal are about the same size as Buffleheads.
If I wait any longer to send this out, I may get something else and have to make more changes. So, here goes. If I am lucky to get something else, there may need to be another spring migration mailing. I hope so. It’s the most exciting time of year for bird folks!