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
What beauties! Interesting information on the redhead's habits as well. =)
ReplyDeleteExcellent of the Redhead and Lesser Scaup, love 'em.
ReplyDeleteI agree very interesting information about the redhead. Great shots also.
ReplyDeletethat'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!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post on the brothers and the Redhead. I learned something new today.. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteSo they're a bit like the cuckoos of the ducks EG :) Could be a wee bit confusing.. Wonderful shots of these two 'almost' siblings.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty! Fascinating info and wonderful shots, well done.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
These ducks won't be floating serenely on my Sebago today.
ReplyDeleteBest buds. :-)
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that fascinates me about birding is the way some birds lay eggs in other birds' nests. Nice work on the photos!
ReplyDeletemy 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.
ReplyDeleteHandsome fellows. Thanks for the interesting info on the nesting.
ReplyDeleteDarla
It is very good that these ducks so the friendship. Regards.
ReplyDeleteNice photos !
ReplyDeletewow! cool that you caught 'siblings'. :)
ReplyDeletei'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 :))
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteNice looking duck, and great photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting info on those beautiful ducks!
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeletePretty ducks and fascinating story. I can't see humans getting by with that kind of thing! :)
ReplyDeleteBoth kinds are handsome birds.
ReplyDeleteThey are so great looking.
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting - I wonder why some nest and some decide to lay their eggs in others nests?
ReplyDeletethey are both beauties!!! this takes "sharing" to a whole-nother level!!!
ReplyDeleteI think he likes the way you look!
ReplyDeleteDon't Cowbirds do that too? He is a handsome duck, EG!
ReplyDeleteThe Pochard is one of my favourite ducks. I just don't see them enough here.
ReplyDeleteStunner of a duck! I love that red and those eyes. Beautiful closeups!
ReplyDeleteAren't red heads just brilliant :) I really enjoyed these pictures.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story and fab shots of these ducks!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they get along well...:-) Gorgeous shots!
ReplyDeleteNot only you make great pictures , but you also teach us lots of interesting facts !
ReplyDeleteThese are both good looking ducks and you could be coeect with your assumption.
ReplyDeleteYou have an infinite assortment of interesting birds, always beautifully photographed!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, and very interesting info about them. Nature can be pretty cunning!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting concept that they could have grown up together. Nature is full of surprises.
ReplyDeleteNice capture of the two!
I love this duck! Your pictures are always so clear and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat is some interesting information,which I had never heard before. The pictures are lovely.
ReplyDeleteSo tell me... just how did it get it's name? - just kidding - although I am actually a little colour blind :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
Such beauty shared!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post! I had no idea there were any birds in the duck family who "borrowed"space in others' nests!
ReplyDelete