If you appreciate art, that is reason enough to watch birds. Right now, wintering ducks are on display.
Art Exhibit A: The Wood Duck pair in the top photo at Juanita Bay, Washington (taken by Kay Mulhall). Would it be possible to design more beautiful creatures? On the verge of extinction in the early 1900s, Wood Ducks have since not only recovered, but have expanded their range. This was due to an enlightened combination of hunting regulations, the placement of numerous artificial nest boxes and wetland preservation. Bellrose in 1976, cited in Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Handbook of Bird Biology, referred to it as “one of the most complete population recoveries ever witnessed in North America.”
Art Exhibit B: Gadwall meets Common Goldeneyes at Magnuson Park, Seattle (photo by Jeff Larson). Yes, Goldeneyes are stunning, but so are Gadwalls. Note the exquisite pattern on the breast of the Gadwall pictured above. This beautiful, intricate pattern resembles tweed or herring bone patterns on human clothing.
According to Ducks Unlimited, some 500,000 ducks spend their winter on Puget Sound, including North American Wigeon, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Goldeneye (both kinds), Bufflehead, Long-tailed Duck, Scoter (three kinds) as well as residents like Mallard and Gadwall. These ducks are dressed in their finest attire. Why? Because they seek new mates each winter, and their beautiful plumage helps distinguish them from numerous species that inhabit our waters together.
This incredible display of vivid colors and striking patterns can help lift the gloom of winter days. Go see it at a lake, pond, river or shoreline near you. You won’t regret it.
