Farewell to the Winter Ducks and Kin

Buffleheads taking off

In the middle of this month nature's calendar stripped our shoreline of its most interesting winter residents. It might be called the Ides of April. 

Common Goldeneye pair

The departures for northern breeding grounds are often preceded by nuptial displays as the ducks pair up for procreation.

Common Loon

Males of many species molt into striking plumage to further their mating appeal. The grey Common Loons of our winter coast often complete this transformation while still in our waters, to become the photogenic spring and summer icons of northern lakes.

Red-throated Loons out at sea last week

The slimmer and less observable Red-throated Loons, on the other hand, seldom show us their namesake coloration because they take on breeding plumage just as migration time arrives.

Black Guillemot, molting

Molting may leave a bird temporarily disadvantaged both in flight and appearance, like this motley between-phases Black Guillemot. As seen in the photographs below, its crisp white body plumage switches to tuxedo black at mating time.

Black Guillemot wintering in non-breeding plumage

Black Guillemot after molting to breeding plumage

Harlequin Ducks and a Red-breasted Merganser

These diving ducks surfaced together in an extravaganza of plumages.

Long-tailed Duck pair in breeding plumage

In the lead up to procreation in the Arctic, Long-tailed Ducks molt into a stately but more muted coloration. 

Long-tailed Duck pair in non-breeding plumage

They reverse the typical pattern by presenting more delightful plumage (to human taste) in their non-breeding phase.

Surf Scoter, male

The Halibut Point shoreline has been sparked by many sorts of fanciful featherings during the winter season.

White-winged Scoters

The departing ducks leave us a mild but duller coastline with gulls at center stage, a substitution of grace for glamor.