Bufflehead duck sounds12/8/2023 ![]() Producer: John Kessler Executive Producer: Chris Peterson © 2015 Tune In to Nature. Calls of Bufflehead recorded by Martyn Stewart of Waves Nature SFX Essentials #24 and wind #2 recorded by Gordon Hempton of BirdNote’s theme music was composed and played by Nancy Rumbel and John Kessler. How remarkable their ability to survive even one winter in what seems to us such an unforgiving environment! It’s humbling, isn’t it? For BirdNote, I’m Mary McCann # Bufflehead landing on water provided by the Macaulay Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York, recorded by W.W.H. Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo with you. And ‘though some live past ten years, the average lifespan of a Bufflehead is less than three. A tiny duck with a big head, meet this beautiful male Bufflehead. They’re monogamous and often return to the same wintering area, so you may see this pair next winter. But tonight, when you’re back in your warm house, they’ll sleep on the rough water. Along with other sea ducks, Buffleheads are members of the diving duck group that swim below the water to catch prey or feed on plants. It is frequently seen in small groups in the bays around Puget Sound. They’re small enough to lay their eggs in the abandoned cavities made by flickers. The Bufflehead is one of the smallest ducks in North America weighing just over a pound and around 13.5 inches long. They ride the waves briefly, then dive again in search of tiny shrimp and crustaceans. Buffleheads are here for the winter, down from the boreal forests where they breed and then nest in trees. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B6, and magnesium. The female is brown, and she has an oval white patch below and behind her eye. Bufflehead ducks are a great source of protein, providing around 20 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving. But just beyond the wave line, two Buffleheads, the smallest of diving ducks, pop to the surface like corks! The male is unmistakable in his striking black-and-white plumage. The wind is brisk and big waves crash before you. You’re bundled up and scanning the horizon where gathering dark clouds mark a rain squall on its way. This is BirdNote! Picture yourself beside the ocean in winter. BirdNote ® Buffleheads in Winter By Chris Peterson
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |