Posted by Luke Ormand on November 7, 2009 at 5:52 PM
So I was quite successful in photographing winter ducks today even though it's still early in the season. Unfortunately, I don't know much about winter duck species, and am trying to get it all straight. So, confirm or correct please.
1. American Wigeon (female?)
2. American Wigeon (Male?)
3. Green-winged teal duck (male?)
Thanks in advance. And I was able to ID the Northern Shoveler and Hooded Mergansers all on my own today (they make it easy)
- Luke
Posted by Luke Ormand on November 7, 2009 at 5:53 PM
2
Posted by Luke Ormand on November 7, 2009 at 5:53 PM
3
Posted by George Secor on November 7, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Luke
You are absolutely correct w/ your ids. In another month or so the fore head and crest of the drake widgeon will turn a pure creamy white, hence one of the birds nick names of bald pate.
George - Englewood, CO
Posted by Nate Chappell on November 8, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Agreed all correct Luke, nice work!
Posted by Luke Ormand on November 8, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Thanks guys... my duck IDs are improving
Posted by Drew Fulton on November 8, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Spot on Luke and nice work. I spent some time this morning studying Scaups. That whole Lesser vs. Greater thing is difficult but I think I'm getting there. Then I did gulls during midday.. Why do I do this to myself?
Keep it up!
Posted by Luke Ormand on November 8, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I don't envy you.... whenever I see a big group of gulls I just think "oh that's nice" and keep driving - I don't know how people can pick rarities and vagrants out of them.
Posted by Drew Fulton on November 8, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Luke,
I've been that way for most of my life but decided that I could pick up a handful of new birds this winter if I really buckled down and learned the gulls. Picked out an Iceland Gull (lifebird) while searching for a reported Thayer's Gull. I was pretty proud of myself. Now I'm off to see if I can find that Thayers again where it was roosting last night.
Drew
Posted by Jim DeWitt on November 9, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Gulls are a lot of fun once you put some effort into them. And I don't know of an area of bird identification where avian photography is more useful.
Discussion
9 replies1. American Wigeon (female?)
2. American Wigeon (Male?)
3. Green-winged teal duck (male?)
Thanks in advance. And I was able to ID the Northern Shoveler and Hooded Mergansers all on my own today (they make it easy)
- Luke
You are absolutely correct w/ your ids. In another month or so the fore head and crest of the drake widgeon will turn a pure creamy white, hence one of the birds nick names of bald pate.
George - Englewood, CO
Keep it up!
I've been that way for most of my life but decided that I could pick up a handful of new birds this winter if I really buckled down and learned the gulls. Picked out an Iceland Gull (lifebird) while searching for a reported Thayer's Gull. I was pretty proud of myself. Now I'm off to see if I can find that Thayers again where it was roosting last night.
Drew