Bad Photos of Good Birds: Tufted Duck

Today was the first time I've had a chance to slip over to see the female Tufted Duck that's been hanging out at a small sewage pond in Chester County. When I got there about 9:30 this morning, a couple of guys were already watching her. For the next hour, the duck mostly slept or loafed on the pond, only occasionally swimming actively for a few seconds or preening.

Unfortunately, I was only able to get some ugly photos of a sleeping duck.


Not much to look at. The Tufted Duck is the dark one in the middle, flanked by a female (left) and male (right) Ring-necked Duck. Notice how dark the bird is compared to the female Ring-necked Duck: no white on the face, colder chocolate coloring, etc.


But here's my field sketch and notes.


Sometimes you get great looks and satisfying photos. Other times, not so much. But a great little bird and I'm glad it has stuck around long enough for me to drive over to see it.