Since so much of our ranch is a Texas Cross Timbers habitat with one large pond, I find ducks most interesting since they have uncommon presence and seasonally come and go. I do not know with graceful skill the typing of these water creatures. I tentatively identify the duck below as Canvasback (Aythya valisineria). Peterson’s Field Guide to Western Birds states, “A very white-looking duck with a rusty-red head and neck, black breast, long blackish bill.” I am not sure and will correct my identification if anyone can discern factors I have missed. In any case, here is what I regard as a Canvasback. Please let me know in the comment section of this post or e-mail me at matthewsranch@msn.com or tweet @sage2m if you have an opinion. Thanks for your help and assistance.
March 17, 2011, 1:00 p.m., CDT. Wild Bill of Wild Ramblings blog has opined it may be a redhead duck. The short bill of this duck indicates something other than a Canvasback.
Tentatively a Canvasback.
Sage to Meadow ~ Jack Matthews 