Male Red-head (Aythya americana)
No question here how this duck got its name. Many redheads breed on the North American Prairies but some breed in Ontario and, in fact, stay here all year long. They nest in a variety of places such as marshes, open lakes and bays. BUT some don't build nests at all, ..
Red-headed Duck and Lesser Scaup
instead lay eggs in other bird's nests. Strangely enough when I first saw these two males I couldn't help but think they acted like brothers, following each other everywhere and even fighting if one found a treat and the other didn't. It wasn't until I returned home that I learned that the redhead's mother may have laid her egg in the Lesser Scaup's mother's nest, so these guys may very well have grown up together.
I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE
44 comments:
What beauties! Interesting information on the redhead's habits as well. =)
Excellent of the Redhead and Lesser Scaup, love 'em.
I agree very interesting information about the redhead. Great shots also.
that's interesting!! they DO look like good friends...brothers. so the red-head was adopted into the Scaup's family!! love it! such cute ducks and great shots!!
Interesting post on the brothers and the Redhead. I learned something new today.. Great shots!
So they're a bit like the cuckoos of the ducks EG :) Could be a wee bit confusing.. Wonderful shots of these two 'almost' siblings.
What a beauty! Fascinating info and wonderful shots, well done.
Amalia
xo
These ducks won't be floating serenely on my Sebago today.
Best buds. :-)
One of the things that fascinates me about birding is the way some birds lay eggs in other birds' nests. Nice work on the photos!
my first viewing of a red headed duck and i must say he looks kind of unhappy.. they are both so pretty and i like the idea they grew up together.
Handsome fellows. Thanks for the interesting info on the nesting.
Darla
It is very good that these ducks so the friendship. Regards.
Nice photos !
wow! cool that you caught 'siblings'. :)
i'd love to see a redhead in person some day!
If it weren't for the snake and the coin I would call the Redhead a Copperhead :))
Love the story about them maybe beeing brothers :)
Have a fine day
【ツ】Knipsa
Sweet Red, you are handsome, and what a way to enjoy your day.
Nice looking duck, and great photos!
What interesting info on those beautiful ducks!
This is wild! I have heard of lazy mother birds who push other bird's eggs out of the nest, then replace them with their own. But DUCKS doing this, I am flabbergasted! What a cool fact! Especially since I am a birdwatcher. And the pictures are very good, I have never seen either kind of duck in our area.
Pretty ducks and fascinating story. I can't see humans getting by with that kind of thing! :)
Both kinds are handsome birds.
They are so great looking.
Oh, such handsome birds and fascinating story indeed!! I agree this is not very likely to happen with us humans!!! Terrific captures, as always, and always a delightful way to begin my day!! Thank you!! Hope your week is going well!!
How interesting - I wonder why some nest and some decide to lay their eggs in others nests?
they are both beauties!!! this takes "sharing" to a whole-nother level!!!
I think he likes the way you look!
Don't Cowbirds do that too? He is a handsome duck, EG!
The Pochard is one of my favourite ducks. I just don't see them enough here.
Stunner of a duck! I love that red and those eyes. Beautiful closeups!
Aren't red heads just brilliant :) I really enjoyed these pictures.
Interesting story and fab shots of these ducks!
I wonder if they get along well...:-) Gorgeous shots!
Not only you make great pictures , but you also teach us lots of interesting facts !
These are both good looking ducks and you could be coeect with your assumption.
You have an infinite assortment of interesting birds, always beautifully photographed!
Great photos, and very interesting info about them. Nature can be pretty cunning!
Gorgeous!!!!
What an interesting concept that they could have grown up together. Nature is full of surprises.
Nice capture of the two!
I love this duck! Your pictures are always so clear and beautiful.
That is some interesting information,which I had never heard before. The pictures are lovely.
So tell me... just how did it get it's name? - just kidding - although I am actually a little colour blind :-)
Great shots!
Such beauty shared!
Very interesting post! I had no idea there were any birds in the duck family who "borrowed"space in others' nests!
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