Duck Bonanza in Charlotte

As we turned the calendar to April this week, it has begun to feel a bit more like spring. But March’s 15-degree colder-than-average temperatures have left thick ice over much of Lake Champlain. The narrow channel of open water created by the Charlotte ferry has continued to be a magnet for ducks as waterfowl migration nears its peak. Following up on our winter report from the ferry, here are some of the ducks that made an appearance at the ferry today:

A group of Bufflehead  were courting near the ferry dock. Their
iridescent feathers shimmered green and purple in the sun.

Several hundred Mallard were spread throughout the bay.
This species may be common, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful!

A pair of Northern Shovelers was a rare treat! Here they are resting
on the ice with American Black Ducks and Canada Geese.

Not all of the species present were easy to locate in the mass of over 1,000!
Can you spot all eight duck species in this photo? (click to enlarge)

 

Here is a full list of waterfowl species observed:

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Gadwall

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Mallard

Northern Shoveler

Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal

Ring-necked Duck

Greater Scaup

Lesser Scaup

Bufflehead

Common Goldeneye

Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Horned Grebe