Shoveler, Goldeneye, & Long-Tailed Ducks
Three more winter ducks that are departing the Chesapeake Bay region to head back to their summer breeding grounds are Northern Shovelers, Long-tailed Ducks, and Common Goldeneyes.
The Northern Shovelers will be heading back to the northern mid-West United States and Canada for their summer mating.
Northern Shovelers
Northern Shovelers
Northern Shovelers
Northern Shovelers at Blackwater NWR
As I mentioned in previous posts, we had the privilege of watching a male Common Goldeneye spend much of his winter on Cambridge Creek. He will be migrating back to Canada for his summer.
Common Goldeneye (male)
Common Goldeneye (male)
Common Goldeneye (male)
A drive down to Hoopers Island netted me this pair of Common Goldeneyes.
Common Goldeneyes (female & male)
And last for this post, but not least, is this handsome male Long-tailed Duck who also spent a lot of his winter on Cambridge Creek. His summer breeding grounds are in the Artic. He sure has a long way to go!
Long-tailed Duck
Long-Tailed Duck
Long-tailed Duck (male)
Long-tailed Duck diving
This post leaves me with the Lesser Scaup for my last ‘winter duck’ posts. Although most have already departed, we still have a few Scaup stragglers hanging out on the creek.
Along with a pair of new arrivals….. 😊
