We are not blessed with much wetland habitat, but if you know when to look for waterfowl and where, you’ll be surprised at how many different species you can see in the Times News coverage area. My passion in birds is the beauty of the many warblers that either live or travel through our area, but some duck species are graced with great plumage as well. Even the common mallard drake is a beautiful bird. I’d like to highlight a few you can find locally. I picked this time knowing that the best window of opportunity to find them is approaching.
Birders, Dave, Rich, and I prefer Beltzville Lake as a hotspot. Duck watching is best when much of the lake is ice overed. The remaining areas of open water concentrate the ducks into a smaller area in this expansive lake and we are more likely to not miss a small group of ducks tucked away in some secluded coves.
I often make a stop at the Parryville Dam knowing that the warmer waters released from Beltzville Dam keep most of this body of water ice free. I’ve seen quite a few different waterfowl species there too.
Although not a usual “stomping ground” for me, when the ice thaws at the western end of Mauch Chunk Lake you can generally find a variety there and the shoreline blind is a bonus. The Lehigh Canal “holds” plenty of mallards but I’ve seen a rare duck or two there. Quite often my walk south on the towpath rewards me with a few wood ducks, too.
Don’t overlook the many local ponds. Phifer Ice Dams, off of Main Road, is a frequent stop and I have seen at least 7 different species there. The Mahoning and Lizard Creek Valleys have a number of farm ponds, so give them a second look. Pintails, blue and green winged teal, and even wigeon have helped add to my annual list. Bottom line, I’m suggesting this 6-week time span to find the most waterfowl from now until Mid-April. So, keep those eyes open.
Test Your Outdoor knowledge: True/False: Most duck species feed on fish.
Last Week’s Trivia Answer: Bobolinks are one of the longest migrating songbirds. Many make over a 12,000-mile round trip to and from Argentina.
Email Barry Reed at breed71@gmail.com
Easy to identify, but not too common in our region, are the northern pintails. The East Coast's marshes hold many, but I've now seen some at a local East Penn Township farm pond the last two springs.
Black ducks were once very common. These ducks, similar to a female mallard, are seeing a population decline under speculation that there is breeding among mallard and black ducks, resulting in sterile hybrid offspring.
Even though I thoroughly enjoy the beautiful colors of all the warbler species, ducks don't fall far behind in their beauty. A male northern shoveller spent some time on the Phifer Ice Dam two years ago showing off his brilliant plumage.
A male horned grebe stayed on the lake's surface just long enough for me to snap a photo or two. Be patient if you find some, they are like aquatic “Eveready Bunnies” diving and surfacing almost nonstop in their search for food.
A male bufflehead cruises on Parryville Dam. Small groups of 5 to 8 ducks are commonly seen together at various lakes nearby.
In contrast, I've never seen a group of pied-billed grebes. I sometimes find a single duck diving for small fish close to the lake shores.
The American wigeon (often referred to as baldpate) can be found in lakes and even the farm ponds in our area. Its white crown made it look “bald.” BARRY REED PHOTOS
The common loon will soon be found patrolling Beltzville or Mauch Chunk Lakes. Its distinctive “yodel” can sound quite eerie on a fog covered lake in the early morning.
The blue-winged teal pictured here, and its cousin the green-winged teal, are sometimes found in this region. If you see a group of ducks and some appear much smaller, they are probably teal. Teal are about 15 inches in length compared to a mallard that is about 23 inches. Blue-winged teal males have a characteristic crescent moon shape on their head.
The redhead is another duck that I consider a waterfowl beauty. Its namesake head is beautiful in good sunlight conditions. Phifer Ice Dam played host to about a half dozen redheads last spring.
It's hard to find a more uniquely feathered duck than the wood duck. They usually migrate south of our area for winter, but return to nest in hollow trees along streams like the Lizard Creek or Lehigh Canal.
Don't overlook the beauty of the common mallard ducks. In good sunlight conditions note the iridescent head of the males; they are quite pretty as well.