The last couple of days, the waters of the marsh have been alive with ducks, in addition to those resting on the islands. This shot shows just a portion of the nearly 200 Ring-necked Ducks that are now on the marsh, usually forming a large, loose grouping. They could be here for a few more weeks yet.
There had to be at least 100 ducks feeding out on the marsh this morning, along with others resting on the islands. These Ring-necked Ducks were part of a group of about 40 birds that I saw on the far side of the marsh. With their erect posture, it's fairly easy to pick them out by their silhouettes. Plus they are usually the only duck on the marsh that dives to feed rather than 'dabbling'. (The grebes are not ducks, but are related to the loons.)
Sightings at the marsh were pretty much as usual both yesterday and today, although this morning I did see a Black & White Warbler I tried to get a shot of with no luck. I have noticed since Saturday afternoon, a large group of Ring-necked Ducks way out on the water. They should be around for another month or so before departing for their wintering grounds in the southern U.S.
I did see two families of Ring-necked Ducks on the marsh this morning, one I had seen before, but also this one with nine chicks (two out of the shot) that was new to me. They are diving ducks, so the higher water level doesn't affect them.
Yesterday while looking for Wood Ducks in the dead trees at the water's edge, I saw these two juvenile ducks tucked in among the trees. Because of their distinct white eye rings and black bills, I believe them to be Ring-necked ducks.
