Wildlife

Species Spotlight: Common Merganser

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photo by Dan Streiffert The Common merganser (Mergus merganser), also known as the “goosander” in Europe, is a large, sleek diving duck with a long, narrow bill

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Species Spotlight: Bufflehead

The bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) is one of the smallest diving ducks in North America. The name is short for “buffalo head,” referring to the puffy, rounded head of the male. 

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Species Spotlight: Canvasback

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photo by Dan Streiffert The distinctive canvasback duck (Aythya valisineria) is North America’s largest diving duck. Adult males have reddish-brown heads, bright red eyes, and long, sloping

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Species Spotlight: Wood Duck

Wood ducks are commonly found in wooded swamps, marshes, and along streams and rivers with abundant riparian vegetation. They prefer shallow waters with plenty of cover from shrubs and trees. They are also known to inhabit human-made ponds and lakes.

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Species Spotlight: Gadwall

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photos by Dan Streiffert The gadwall (Mareca strepera) is a medium-sized dabbling duck of shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, ponds, and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation. Widespread across

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