Looking a bit like, “a casual, unkempt teenager with a spiky ‘punk cut’ crest,” (Dunne, 2006), the male Red-breasted Merganser strikes a bold appearance when in its alternate, breeding plumage.

Common Goldeneyes are very fast fliers.  They have been clocked at speeds over 30 mph (Eadie et al).  The “Whistler” as it is commonly known, has wing beats so rapid they make a metallic whistling sound during flight.

The long, spoon-shaped bill gives this small duck a front-heavy look.  It is about 19” long and the four letter code is NOSH.  When swimming, it sits low with the bill angled toward the water.  The males’ belly and sides are rufous with a pale blue patch on the forewing, green head and white breast.

The Canvasback stands out from the crowd.  Its stately presence separates it from other ducks.  It has been called “the aristocrat of ducks” (Mobray), and “elegant” (Alderfer).  Its large size, sloping forehead and characteristic “dark at both ends and white in the middle” appearance (Bell and Kennedy) make it easy to pick out of a group of other ducks.