Buffleheads belong to the duck family.
They are commonly spotted in woodland lakes, ponds and in sheltered coastal areas.
Male buffleheads are easily identified by their dark black heads
with large, white patches that reach from their eyes to the back of the crowns.
White wing bars on their otherwise black wings make it easy to identify them in flight
along with their black backs and white undersides.
Buffleheads are unique among the diving ducks as they can spring directly into flight.
This guy really made sure that he was looking his best …
… until … oops!
He lost his balance and fell off the log.
He quickly collected himself, went upright …
… shook his tail feathers and paddled back to his flock.
🙂
in cahoots with muddy boots 
You have captured it well.
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Thank you Arlene! 🙋♀️
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😍
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Such amazing birds! Love seeing this.
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Thanks Cindy! I’m glad you enjoyed these birds! 🙋♀️
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This Buffhead was a great model for you Sabine! Great shots!
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Thanks Wayne! I loved how this guy just did his thing despite all the people around.
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that means he’s use to humans being about. Certainly not as wild as his wild cousins that I see.
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Yes, this guy is used to humans. I’m sure the truly wild ones are quite different in their behavior.
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They are curious looking, so distinctive. When we first moved to Bend we lived near a small lake that had a lot of waterfowl. Among those, were a few Buffleheads. I really enjoyed watching them. Thanks for sharing, Sabine.
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No matter where we live, there are always some interesting birds and other creatures around to watch. Bend is a beautiful town! We were there a few years ago and really enjoyed it!
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If you visit again, let me know!
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I will do that! 🙂
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You are teaching me so much about water fowl today. Love it!
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This made me smile Sabine. The plumage makes it look like a cape streaming down its back – very unique looking. I had to laugh seeing him posing so nicely then falling off the log. You knew he was safe and had to hold back a snicker.
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I’m glad you enjoyed these photos, Linda! Watching birds, especially when one is not in a hurry is a lot of fun. And seeing that even a duck can loose its balance was good to know. 😉
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I did and yes, it’s unusual for a duck to do that. They are pretty sure footed, even on the ice. Today there were about 30 ducks and a dozen Canada Geese in the Ecorse Creek at Council Point Park. It is still not all thawed out but they were making the most of the water to preen … they looked so cold standing on ice or splashing in the cold water.
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