Bird of the Week – Ring-necked Duck
Sometimes WC thinks that birds are deliberately named in a way to confuse birders. This is one of the reasons.
Ring-necked Duck, Peat Ponds, Fairbanks
WC means, what the heck? Yes, there is an extremely faint, rarely visible ring around the bird’s neck. But thre’s a blinding white, extremely obvious white ring around the bill. Why not Ring-Billed Duck? Sigh.
This is an uncommon duck in Interior Alaska; the range maps doesn’t even show the species in the state. But it is, and they do breed here. Despite appearances, this is a diving duck, not a dabbler like a Mallard. The gold eye, double white stripe on the bill and white and gray flank make this an unmistakeable species in the field.
The foraging habit of this species makes it especially vulnerable to toxic lead shot. Lead shot has been banned, but in common duck hunting areas there are very high amounts of lead shot in the environment.
Camera geek stuff: f5.7, 1/250, ISO250.
For more bird photos, please visit Frozen Feather Images.
http://crooksandliars.com/cltv/2016/02/sandra-day-oconnor-president-obama
Former Justice Oconnor says Obama the Magnificent should fill Scotus vacancy.as is his right as duly elected Potus.
would only work out if the Dems took back the Senate, large enough to prevent a filibuster…I haven’t looked to see 1) how many repubs are running this time around, and 2) if they are in states that would actually flip to a Dem in that slot..
Doesn’t mean we couldn’t dream…… and the look on Turtle Neck’s face would be priceless….:)
Sorry,I couldn’t resist- http://juanitajean.com/whats-a-snacilbuper-you-ask/
Should be required reading for everyone.
http://tinyurl.com/zau94a4 Now this is a ring neck them ducks can aspire to have.
Day 2 and Scalia is still dead. Si far,so good.
Yo ! Mike !! here’s a different bird for you.. a lot scarier ~~~ https://www.facebook.com/GetCafe/photos/a.1512859512370270.1073741828.1509931725996382/1566711733651714/?type=3&theater
California drought hasn’t dried up your sense of humor. You are funning me,aren’t you?
Ok looking bird. What is the flora in the background? Doesn’t look like cattails.