(by Pam Hunt)
March is the time to start searching your local wetlands and rivers for migrating waterfowl, as warming temperatures lead to retreating ice and early spring rains create puddles in local fields. The species pictured here is one of the first to arrive: often showing up in southern New Hampshire at the end of February. Female ducks are often frustrating to birders since they lack the males’ bright colors and bold patterns, but a closer look often reveals a far more subtle beauty. So look closely and see if you can figure out which duck this is!
Photos by Walter Keane.