Date: 4/3/24 6:32 am From: Steve Long <steve.long4...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Wounded Bufflehead? - update
The wounded duck seems to like our pier area, and hangs around unless
somebody is out in the yard. This morning, it is energetically diving,
so I am thinking that it will be able to feed itself. I am going to try
to minimize disturbing it and watch how it goes.
Steve Long
On 4/2/2024 9:05 AM, Steve Long wrote:
> A male Bufflehead appeared in our cove this morning, along with the
> now very ruddy Ruddy Ducks. The Bufflehead is not diving, like the
> Ruddies are doing, and appears to be missing at least the flight
> feathers from his left wing, if not actually missing a segment of
> bone. The visual effect is white higher on the body, with a black
> stripe diagonally upward from where the body should be white to where
> the back is still black. (No it is not a Hooded Merganser.) When the
> bird grooms under that wing, it can be seen to be missing the flight
> feathers.
>
> I am thinking this is a wounded bird that can't fly north. It does
> appear to be alert and swimming around.
>
> Any opinions on its prospects for survival in the wild? Besides
> wondering if it can feed itself, I am wondering if it will be able to
> evade the local Bald Eagles.
>
> Steve Long, Oxford
>
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