November is a busy month for waterfowl. I look forward to seeing the variety of beautiful ducks as they migrate through our area and I hope you do, too. My binoculars and spotting scope are kept handy so I can get a close-up view and identify the species. Mallards are usually the first to come through and they were true to form as they have been appearing since late October. As early and mid-November approach, the variety increases. Last week, November 6, I spotted some Hooded Mergansers. The males, as usual, were magnificent with their gorgeous white expanding “hood” and elegant black, white and brown feathers. Today, November 10, the Golden Eyes were diving out in front of my shoreline. Easily recognized by their bright gold eyes, they, like the “Hoodies”, dive for their dinner and are constantly up and down. You have to be quick to spot and identify them. One of my favorites, the colorful Wood Ducks, have yet to appear and I always keep a watchful eye out for them.
My field guide stays easily available so I can reach for it if I’m unsure of a species. If you don’t have one, there are many good ones available, though my favorite is The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley. Having binoculars and a field guide seem to me to be one of the necessities for lake front owners! Of course, you can always look up information about ducks on line. There are many wonderful photos available.
I hope you enjoy these waterfowl as they pass through. Remember that they are on a mission to return to their winter grounds and we must not interfere with their natural feeding habits by trying to feed them. This can encourage them to delay their departure and put them in jeopardy as they proceed further on their journey.