Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Ducks & Coots...

 On a recent visit to Lake of the Lilies,
there were a number of ducks I was not able to identify with my field guide.
I think there is a lot of "hanky-panky" going on there, one duck "fooling around" with another
of a different species.

These first 2 are one of the most familiar dabbling ducks...
Female Mallards



These next few ducks I was not able to identify and are often referred to as Hybrid Ducks,
I think.



And here's another, this one was sleeping.


Waking up with a big stretch...

So pretty, but who is it exactly?

Next up are the American Coots...

Coots are a dumpy waterbird with long, lobed toes that facilitate swimming, you can see them here.





Present on our coastline only in winter, I was surprised to see them this early.
They have primarily dark plumage, darkest on it's head and neck, it utters a loud "kwoot" call.

If you are able to identify any of these ducks, please let me know in the comments,
perhaps they are not hybrids.
Or if you have any other information, I would love for you to share it!

12 comments:

Marie Smith said...

That sixth photo is priceless! I’ve never seen hybrid ducks or coots, not the feathered ones anyway. Fabulous photos.

Changes in the wind said...

Didn't those patches of blue stand out!! and waking with a stretch was a great catch and bathes are always great.

Susie said...

Debbie, Ducks are so boldly colored , some, they look as if someone painted them. The Coots do look plump. Hope you are having a fun day. It's a dreary day here and chilly. I feel winter in the air...but hey Thursday it will be 80 degrees here. LOL. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful pictures. Sorry, I am of no help with the identity of those ducks.

Sally said...

Debbie, I am so far out of the loop; I may never get caught up. I hope you're doing as well as possible, and think of you often. Love you!

21 Wits said...

I'm not very good with names either but what a great collection you shared and it's remarkable how truly stunning their markings are and you captured it all.

Lowcarb team member said...

So sorry but I cannot help you with the identity of the ducks, great photographs though :)

All the best Jan

DeniseinVA said...

I love ducks! Your photos give them all personality. Great shots Debbie, I especially enjoyed the one waking up.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Debbie,

I think you are correct, they are hybrids. They are great shots of the mixbreed ducks. I love the Coots, we are seeing some winter birds moving in. Take care, enjoy your day!

Conniecrafter said...

Love all the different kinds you were able to find. I don't think I have seen a coot. You know me I just like them, don't know their names, LOL, hope someone can help you out, like you said I think there has been some exchanging of mates happening :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I know what you already know... the mallards and that coots are *not* ducks , (and neither are grebes.). I learned those things from blogging. I bet you will get help on your IDs, bird bloggers are so helpful ,everything I know I learned from them.

Brian King said...

Very nice! Some of those definitely look like hybrids. Mallards often cross breed with black ducks, pintails, wigeons, etc. in the wild. They will also cross breed with domestic ducks. A great many hybrids involve a mallard as one half of the equation.