Mallard, a common year-round duck that most people recognize.

Winter birding brings ducks to our viewing pleasure. Ducks are in open waters unobscured by obstacles. The males are colorful and have distinctive field marks that facilitate their identifications.

Beginning birders often find ducks easy to spot and identify. However, the females present a real challenge because they are brown and look like all other females. Luckily, the female pairs with the male and is in the
company of her male counterpart…but not always.

Here are five male ducks with green on their heads. Next month I will showcase five black and white male ducks.

Left: Northern shoveler with the large unmistakable beak. A group is often seen feeding and swimming in circles. Right: Green-winged teal with green across the eye. A small compact duck with a white vertical stripe on its side that can be seen a mile away.

Left: American wigeon also has green around its eye. But the white is on its forehead, and the bill is light blue with a dark tip. Right: Unmatched in the number of different colors, the wood duck in his breeding plumage is striking and unforgettable.

Bird Walks March 7, 8–10:30am. Walks are free, but you must RSVP at blufflake.org/birdwatching. All are welcome. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from your guide. 11255 MLK Jr. Blvd. Search FrontPorchNE.com for “Bird Sightings” to see past bird stories and photos from George Ho.