This flock of Wood Ducks flew over Morro Bay near the Marina and were the only birds of the trip
California - November 2009
Wildfowl - Ducks: page 1
Canada Geese
Black Brant
White-fronted Geese
Snow Geese
Wood Duck
American Wigeon
Canvasback
Lesser Scaup
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Bufflehead
Only a few American Wigeon were note south of San Francisco, which was surprising though I wasn't searching that hard for them with Sweet Spring at Morro Bay having the first 'flocks' It was until I headed north of San Francisco to Bolinas along the coast road that the species became common, i.e. flocks hundreds strong. Despite the numbers increase they were still difficult to get close to and the bird above is a fairly high crop.
Below is a mix American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal flock at Bolinas, hover the mouse over the image to pin point the teal.
Lake Merrit in Oakland was the hub for Canvasbacks hold a large flock. As can be seen some were pretty confiding allowing study of plumage and structure a doddle.
As with Canvasback Lake Merrit in Oakland really was 'the' place to see Lesser Scaup, a vast flock was present here whilst the species was fairly scarce in other areas. The only other sizeable flocks encountered was at the harbour at Bodega Bay.
As can be seen here the upper-parts vermiculations are easily seen as is the purplish sheen to the head, green in Greater Scaup. The head shape and bill pattern are also strong features easily seen.
