Is there a prettier duck than the ‘Hoodie’? A group has just arrived in our little bay, the males posturing and flashing their crests as they compete for females. Buffleheads are here too, right on time – the 3rd week in October for us. And our Widgeon have returned, tumbling in on the winds of the last October storm. Coming home for the winter, I guess, and soon to be grazing on the local park lawns. No sign (yet) of the crimson-headed Eurasian Widgeon that spent last winter here. A squadron of young Surf Scoters has joined the Buffleheads, a bit of a surprise in such shallow water.
Hooded Merganser Drake
Surf Scoter Teens
Competition
Today’s Champion
Bird Noetz 
Great pictures! Hoodies and Woodies are the prettiest of the ducks (with the Harlequin in third). I’m more partial to the Woodies because of their free-falling offspring. So cute to watch! We were lucky to have Hoodies hang out in our creek for a short time early this year — a rarity. Cheers!
LikeLike
Thank you! Yes, they’re great subjects. We only see them in the fall and winter here. I always look forward to their arrival.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I forgot to add. I agree with you about the Woodies and the Harlequins!
LikeLike