Canvasback Ducks at DeKorte

We went to the DeKorte Park's Lyndhurst Nature Reserve today. We didn't see the northern shrike that has been reported there, but we did see quite a few canvasback ducks. Most were resting with their heads on their backs, but we found a male (top photo) and a female (second photo) that were awake. The male's head looks brilliant when the sun catches it.

Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers

This time of year is ideal for sapsuckers. When it's freezing at night and above freezing in the day, the sap flows the most. It's also a good time for making maple syrup.

The sapsucker opens up holes in the tree that benefit him and other birds. We've seen red-bellied woodpeckers, goldfinch, and chickadees eat either sap or insects from these holes.

Ducks at Haddon Lake Park: Photos by Kate

 

 

 

I have been a casual visitor of your site for a few months- I love your photos!! I am hoping you could help me identify the duck in the first picture I attached (the all brown one with a dark bill). The others I just attached because the mallards were having so much fun in the sun today out on the frozen lake. The white ducks were also out on the lake with the mallards soaking up the sun. These pictures were taken on a walk around Haddon Lake Park in Haddon Heights, NJ on January 16th.

Thanks for your help identifying that first duck!
Kate