Buffleheads are very small ducks, about half the size of Mallards. I have found them to be difficult to photograph because of their size and colors. Females are gray brown with white patches on their cheeks. Males are white and black. In both sexes, the eyes are hard to distinguish from the dark areas surrounding them, unless there is good light, which is not always the case in winter.
A few days ago, I went to the refuge on a cold and windy day. The marshes were mostly frozen and there were only several gulls and Buffleheads. There were also very few cars, and so I was able to zoom in closer on some female Buffleheads who were actively diving for food.
There was no male Bufflehead at EBF on that day. The following photo shows one taken a few days earlier near Barnegat Lighthouse.
Here’s how the refuge looked on a cold day, when the highest temperature was well below freezing.
bluebrightly said:
I’m impressed that you are getting out in all weather! I love those Buffies!
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Tiny said:
Lovely pictures of the birds and the cold marsh!
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neihtn2012 said:
It’s amazing that these small ducks act like the cold and ice are like nothing out of the ordinary.
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T Ibara Photo said:
How can anyone not smile when looking at photos of these charming ducks? š
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neihtn2012 said:
You are right of course. They are cute, even as they scurry around in all directions.
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Amy said:
Oh, so lovely! Beautiful captures, Hien! š
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy! Glad you like them.
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de Wets Wild said:
They look like ornaments!
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neihtn2012 said:
Yes Dries. Like Eliza says below, like Rubber Ducky. Kids would love to play with them!
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bayphotosbydonna said:
Wonderful captures and water lighting with the female Buffleheads, Hien! Of course, the male looks quite dapper himself. Your icy marsh photos are beautiful, the first one I love your composition!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Donna. In a sense, it was good that there were practically no birds at the refuge. It forced me to be aware of the winter landscape.
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Eliza Waters said:
Certainly looks cold! These are sweet little ducks – the shape is similar to the bathtub toy ducks!
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neihtn2012 said:
Rubber Ducky sounds like a good nickname for Buffleheads. Thanks Eliza!
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quietsolopursuits said:
I love bufflehead, they’re just too cute, and I love your photos of them. I hope that you’re able to watch and photograph their courtship displays this spring.
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neihtn2012 said:
Jerry, I will follow your advice and watch out for them this spring! Thanks!
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Indah Susanti said:
Oh my, they are super cute and adorable – like having chubby cheek š Great images!!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Indah, they are very cute ducks indeed. Chubby cheek is the right term for them. š
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Jet Eliot said:
One of America’s most endearing and beautiful ducks. You did a great job capturing them here, Hien. Have fun visiting a warmer California refuge this week, my friend.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Jet! Because of time constraints, I may have to skip going to the Sacramento refuge. š¦
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loisajay said:
They are cute little ducks. I love the first two photos, especially. They look like they are smiling. “Oh, yes. It’s Hien. Smile for the camera!”
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neihtn2012 said:
Lois, what about that third photo? She said: “OMG, here he comes with his camera. I’m outa here!”
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loisajay said:
You are right! Oh , that made me laugh!
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