(WWJ) It’s the most wonderful time of year to be on the lookout for “weird winter ducks.”
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says these quirky floating fowl migrate from as far north as the Arctic tundra and settle on Michigan for “their perfect winter paradise”, as their waters back home freeze over.
"If you live near a body of water that doesn’t completely freeze over the winter, you are likely familiar with the raucous calls and splashing sounds of congregating waterfowl. You might see dabbling ducks bobbing along the water’s surface, dipping forward headfirst in search of seeds and aquatic plants, or spot geese and swans honking in chorus as they splash-land,” The DNR said in a press release. “Diving ducks can be found disappearing and reappearing as they dive for mollusks and small fish under water.”
Two species that you might see this winter include the Gadwalls and the Buffleheads.
As for the Gadwalls, you might catch them in southeastern Michigan marshes, lakes and river mouths. This dabbling duck appears brown and drab from afar (both and female), but at closer look, you can distinguish the male by his “black rump, small white wing patch, and dark bill.”
The Bufflehead is our “most diminutive diver with very energetic feeding habits,” the DNR wrote. Their name comes from the male’s “odd, puffy shaped buffalo head” and purple, green and gold iridescent patterning on their heads. The females have “large rounded heads” and a white oval on their cheeks, but no irridesence. Spot the Buffleheads on sheltered bays, lakes, estuaries, ponds and slow-moving rivers.
Just so you know the writer of this story is not a quack, click here to learn more about the Weird Ducks or watch a video on duck identification.