Powell River Books publishes the series Coastal BC Stories by Wayne J. Lutz.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Hop, Skip and a Jump
This duck did a running start to get airborne, leaving a splashy trail behind.
I'm guessing it's a male Mallard because of the ring around his neck, but the wing feathers made me think maybe it was something different. Anyone good at duck identification out there? -- Margy
Might be a Manky Mallard. Manky meaning a Mallard crossed with God knows what. Send it to the guys at 10,000 Birds website, they might be able to help.
Going by the Cornell page, it's a red-breasted merganser male.
"Head iridescent greenish black. Neck white. Chest deep rusty speckled with black. Back dark with long white patch along wings. Tail gray. Outer part of wings black. Bill scarlet-orange. Eyes red."
Thanks everyone for your comments. I guess the smooth head threw me. The headwind on takeoff must have pushed the feathers down flat. I think Paul and Susannah are right. It's a male Merganzer. Take a look at the picture link Susannah gave. - Margy
I'm guessing it's a male Mallard because of the ring around his neck, but the wing feathers made me think maybe it was something different. Anyone good at duck identification out there? -- Margy
Might be a Manky Mallard. Manky meaning a Mallard crossed with God knows what. Send it to the guys at 10,000 Birds website, they might be able to help.
ReplyDeleteCheers! Elaine
Thanks Elaine - I'll give it a try. - Margy
ReplyDeleteGreat photo, I can just hear its wings beating as it takes off.
ReplyDeleteIt's a female Merganser I think Margie, though I can't tell from the pic which one of the Mergansers.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Margy. Glad you have some birders here that know what kind of duck it was.
ReplyDeletea lovely photography of your hop, skip and a jump duck
ReplyDeleteGoing by the Cornell page, it's a red-breasted merganser male.
ReplyDelete"Head iridescent greenish black. Neck white. Chest deep rusty speckled with black. Back dark with long white patch along wings. Tail gray. Outer part of wings black. Bill scarlet-orange. Eyes red."
Here's a good photo.
Thanks everyone for your comments. I guess the smooth head threw me. The headwind on takeoff must have pushed the feathers down flat. I think Paul and Susannah are right. It's a male Merganzer. Take a look at the picture link Susannah gave. - Margy
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful capture, Margy! You were at the right place the right time!
ReplyDeleteWhat ever!! It is a super capture. MB
ReplyDelete