If you're a birder, you'll know what a life list is. It's basically a list of all the bird species one has observed and positively ID'd in one's lifetime. This blog is a record of my "critter" life list (mostly of birds), including photos I've taken over the years, some of the actual lifer if I was lucky enough to get the shot. Don't expect National Geographic quality stuff here, just the work of an amateur photog who loves to trudge out into nature.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

10/27/02 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA 

2/24/02 San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Riverside County, CA
1/15/06 San Simeon State Beach, San Luis Obispo County, CA

1/15/06 Female, San Simeon State Beach

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Bufflehead

SPECIES: Bucephala albeola

FAMILY: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)

LIFE LIST DATE: 3/16/2002

LOCATION: Several pairs observed at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA

From Kaufman Focus Guide-Birds of North America & Stokes Field Guide to Birds-Western Region:

BEHAVIOR/HABITAT: A diminutive diver, like a toy duck Usually in small flocks on lakes or shallow bays in winter. Found along northern rivers and bogs in summer, often nesting in old Northern Flicker holes. 

IDENTIFYING MARKS: 13 1/2"; Adult male has white "scarf" on round black head. Female has gray head with white ear spot; young is similar, but white spot is bigger. 

VOICE: Generally silent. Female makes guttural sounds during courtship. 
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