For the past three weeks, temperatures have been mostly mildly below freezing to well below. The St. Clair River has largely frozen over so open water is limited. As a result, overwintering waterfowl been compressed into small spaces. I saw in this small open water area Mute Swan, Tundra Swan, Canada Goose, Redhead, Bufflehead, and possibly another species.
Several Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola; source: allaboutbirds.org) have taken a liking to this pond; they are present every day. They take less of a liking to my presence, quickly paddling away when they see me.
Bufflehead are a winter resident on the St. Clair River. Sometimes they allow themselves to be photographed.
Bufflehead seen to be shy birds. This flock began moving away from the shore as my car turned the corner, and kept moving when I got out with the camera. They are funny looking birds and it was amusing to watch as one suddenly bobbed underwater, then bobbed back to the surface.
previouslytexan 