More Urban Waterfowl

Ducks aren’t the first avian group most birders think of when they think of the Sonoran desert, but the diversity of waterfowl species here in the winter is matched only by their concentration: because water is scarce here, the birds mass in big numbers on whatever ponds and puddles they can find. Many of them are driven to feed and loaf in Tucson’s city parks, where otherwise shy species often “tame down” quickly and give amazing views.

This is especially remarkable among the Aythya divers, none of which one typically thinks of as confiding. But even Lesser Scaup can be approached to within a few feet on the concrete pond at Reid Park.

Even more astonishing, Bryan had a pair of Greater here last week–I should have dropped everything and run!

Redheads have been common everywhere for the last couple of weeks. (This was intended to be another Lesser Scaup photo, but then this beauty swam into the picture.)

It’s always fun to show people this species and Ring-necked Duck together at close range; suddenly the distinctions come clear in ways that they might not through a scope at half a mile.

Even the king of the bay ducks, or in this case the queen, is common and calm; I can’t imagine what Canvasbacks are eating here.

And there’s always the chance of a surprise, like this fine Hooded Merganser at Fort Lowell a couple of days ago.

The desert really is ducky this time of year!