Field notes from the water’s edge.

Field notes

Ducks with Brown Heads

Did you know that some duck species have brown heads? It's true, and ducks with brown heads are some of the most captivating and interesting birds you can spot in the wild. Ducks with brown heads...

Field notes

Ducks with Green Heads

Ducks with green heads , are a captivating subject for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Their distinctive green head, found predominantly in males, sets them apart in the avian world and...

Field notes

31 Types of Ducks in New York

New York is one of the most populous and diverse states in the country. It is often thought of as a melting pot, with its long history of immigration and bustling metropolis of New York City. But...

Field notes

31 Types of Ducks in Wyoming

Wyoming is a state located in the western United States. Its diverse landscape includes the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and several national parks. The weather in Wyoming can be extreme. Big...

Field notes

American Wigeon (Mareca americana)

The American wigeon is a medium-sized duck native to North America. It is also known as the baldplate due to the white crown or white stripe of the male duck that resembles a bald man's head. As a...

Field notes

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)

The common merganser, also known as the goosander in Europe, is a large sea duck belonging to the taxonomic family of Anatidae. It has three recognized subspecies which include M. m. merganser, M. m....

Field notes

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

The harlequin duck, scientific name Histrionicus histrionicus, takes its name from the iconic character of Harlequin in the Commedia dell'arte, a form of Italian theatre that emerged during the 16th...

Field notes

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is the only merganser species native to North America. It is the only surviving species in the genus Lophodytes, which is derived from the Greek words...

Field notes

Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus)

The masked duck is a small, stocky waterbird found in the wetlands and swamps of Central and South America. Its scientific name, Nomonyx dominicus, refers to its secretive nature and distribution in...

Field notes

Mexican Duck (Anas diazi)

The Mexican duck (Anas diazi) is a dabbling duck native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States, making them North American birds. These ducks are also known as Mexican mallards due to...

Field notes

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

The northern pintail is a large dabbling duck with a wide geographical distribution. It occurs throughout the northern regions of Europe, North America, the Middle East and the Palearctic. The...

Field notes

Do Geese Eat Mice? The Surprising Answer

Geese are fascinating creatures with diverse diets. They eat mostly aquatic plants in the wild, including roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. They will eat small insects, worms, crustaceans, and fish as...