Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Chincoteague NWR #3



Today's featured waterfowl is the female Red-breasted Merganser. Both these images were captured in the same pool as the Buffleheads featured in a prior post from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. As you can see from the bottom image, the bill of this duck is designed to enable catching minnows. Waterfowl hunters often refer to these guys as "hair heads", due to their unusual head feathering.

I'm off to Minnesota in search of Trumpeter Swans and Hawk/Great Grey Owls. There is a special known place in Monticello, MN to see the swans. And, as mentioned in a prior post since it is an irruption year, some of the rarely seen owls, normally viewed in the Canadian northern country, have moved down into MN. So, may be dormant depending on web access. Blue Skies.

8 comments:

Twisted Fencepost said...

Both of these pictures are adorable!
Have fun and good luck with the photo shooting in MN!!

Ivar Østtun said...

How cute. My hair stand strait up after a cold swim as well :-)
Have a wonderful trip. I am looking forward to see your pics

Stacey Olson said...

Great job, captured the beauty of these otherwise awkward birds.. thanks for sharing

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I LOVE the hairstyle!! Reminds me of the 1960's!! LOL!! Beautiful pics Ken and interesting info too.

Philip said...

I love the hair-do on these birds excellent captures Ken !!

The Birdlady said...

Wonderful! I love ducks anyway, and these are great shots!

Vanessa Bates said...

I just love the spikey hairdo...lol Some beautiful birds

Unknown said...

A good shot, and I am sure you enjoyed while capturing this moment

Enjoyed your blog.
Best