November 15, 2005
Canvasbacks, Aythya valisinerrria
These distinctly-marked ducks are annual fall visitors at Fresh Pond. They are migrating from northwestern North America, as far away as Alaska, to the southeastern coast.The rusty red head and eye, dark chest and tail, and white body are characteristic of males. Females look somewhat the same with considerably muted coloration. A pair of Redheads (Aythya americana), a related species, have recently been seen among the Canvasbacks. They can be distinguished by their rounder head, darker body, and gray bill.