This little drake Bufflehead Duck visited the pond here on February 14, 2013 when I snapped these pictures. This is the first time a Bufflehead Duck has been at the pond this season. I did not see any other Buffleheads with this particular one. The Buffleheads are diving ducks. They are smaller than a lot of other ducks and have a white and black coloration. The drakes are white and black with the hens being dark charcoal grayish-black and white. Hen Bufflehead Ducks are almost a perfect opposite of the drakes.
The big problem for these attractive ducks is that they happen to be a favorite food of several large raptors, primarily Bald Eagles! It is a good thing that they can stay underwater for a good length of time in their dives. For a long time while I watched this drake Bufflehead, it was the only duck out on the water of the pond. After awhile, I did see a quartet of Mallards come out and paddle around. The Bufflehead approached the larger Mallards, but they did not seem too receptive of socializing with the white and black duck. I took these pictures in my yard on Valentine’s Day. Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture. Enjoy!
Comments on: "A Lone Visitor" (10)
Gosh, i wonder what is going on with the little guy. Maybe sick or something…
Hi Ginny, A true mystery. No sign of the Bufflehead this morning but then the Mallards are nowhere to be seen either. There are Buffleheads on a large lake about three miles down the road so maybe that is where this duck came from or went to. Have an outstanding day today and a nice coming weekend!
Hi all, Very exciting thing just happened – the Sand Hill Cranes have begun their Northern migration from the Hiwassi Preserve near Dayton, TN. I just had literally hundreds of Sand Hill Cranes fly over my home! I did take lots of pictures. The birds were flying high up so no close-ups. Pictures to be posted here soon.
what a COOL visitor!
Hi Theresa, Well said. Have a fine Saturday tomorrow!
The Bufflehead ducks are pretty and one of my favorites. A great visitor to your pond. Have a happy weekend!
Hi Eileen, Yes, I was totally happy to have this duck come here. It was not around today at all but I think I saw a lone Bufflehead drake at a pond a couple miles up the road (that pond is along side the roadway that I often drive on). Have a super nice weekend!
Very distinctive marking on those guys.
Cute little guy. I hope he is okay.
Great shots, I love these little cuties, we have them around the Chesapeake Bay throughout the winter. Many times I’ll spot a single male or female Bufflehead, and they always seem content to be on their own, diving and feeding. Other times, a male will have three or four female around him or vice versa! So hoping yours being alone was enjoying a little ‘me time’, lol, and then connected with a few others along his travels.