aythya

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh (Oakland, CA, USA). At this particular nature area, Greater Scaups would be by far the most common ducks. But their wide variations in patterns based on age and gender makes them always a fun subject to photograph; always...

Taken near the Sundial Bridge (Redding, CA, USA). A bit closer this time.

Taken near the Sundial Bridge (Redding, CA, USA). At first we thought we were staring at scaups, but the beak gave-away that this was a different species. Lovely fellows with their iridescent heads and the head feathers on display.

Taken near the Sundial Bridge (Redding, CA, USA). Another new one for me. Lovely pair floating/swimming around. The Sacramento River gave us a chance to see species we don't normally see in the marshlands near our home.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline (Oakland, CA, USA).

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. Greater Scaups are very plentiful here, and seem to overwinter the longest of all the seasonal migrants. So quite common in the winter, often in rafts of 2-3 dozen in places, even as spring gets started and only the local birds remain.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 60m. Greater Scaup (left, flapping) and Clark's Grebe (right). Scaups are plentiful here, but first time I've seen one: a) on land, and b) doing anything but swimming. The Clark's Grebe is also new to me, and I've never seen the...

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 15m. I appear to be "getting the look."

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 10m.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 10m. Everyone enjoyed the last shot, thought this one showing the female more clearly would be a nice add.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 10m. This fellow seemed to be having a good day just joyfully paddling away. Got quite a few good photos.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 10m.

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 8m. Showing a little tail. ;-p

Taken at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline at about 8m.

Redhead (Aythya americana), at least most are redheads. Photographed at Osprey Overlook in Laguna Atascosa in Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County, Texas, USA.

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) Photographed in Little Bay, Fulton, Aransas County, Texas, USA.

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) Photographed in Little Bay, Fulton, Aransas County, Texas, USA.

Redhead (Aythya americana) Photographed in Little Bay, Fulton, Aransas County, Texas, USA.

Seen in Denali NP. This beaty was with a few friends. Evening light was perfect. I feel moments like this are gifts from nature herself.