Watchable Waterfowl
About forty-four species of ducks, geese and swans are known to breed in North America. |
Much of the earliest bird migration data came from the banding and hunting of ducks and geese. One Northern Pintail banded in Utah was recovered 82 days later on Palmyra Island, over a thousand miles south of Hawaii! Some waterfowl, such as Mallards and Pintails, breed across the northern hemisphere. In contrast, the Mottled Duck is confined to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Long distance migrants like Blue-winged Teal may leave the Canadian prairies in mid-August and spend the winter in Equador. Common Goldeneyes may not leave boreal forest lakes until freeze-up, and some will only go as far as the northern Great Lakes for winter. About forty-four species of ducks, geese, and swans are known to breed in North America. Occasionally eastern hemisphere waterfowl, such as Eurasian Wigeon and Barnacle Geese, show up on this continent. These sightings present problems to the bird lister, because many exotic waterfowl species are popular in zoos and parks, from which they can and do escape to wild waterfowl populations. Waterfowl are also prone to hybridization and create some offspring that aren't found in the field guides. To learn more about the identification and habits of waterfowl, I would recommend the following books: In addition to these books, you can gain some excellent field experience with your local Audubon chapter or local bird club. (See Real Birds for birding organizations in your state.) They often have field trips to view waterfowl during migration and winter. You can also find out what national wildlife refuges and state wildlife areas might be near your home and what kinds of waterfowl viewing they might offer. Whether you're hidden in an early spring marsh armed with camera and film, visiting a national wildlife refuge, or just feeding ducks in the local park, North America's waterfowl provide an exciting and accessible birding experience. |
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David Stimac has been an avid birder & naturalist for most of his life and is also a photographer and illustrator. His work has appeared in "Ducks Unlimited", "Michigan Birds & Natural History", and "Hawks of Holiday Beach". He also shows educational slide programs at regional nature centers in the Michigan area. Visit David's web site at |
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