22 Comments
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Jackie Cestero's avatar

That's a beautiful duck!

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

I so agree. I might go try to see some right now!

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Aria Vink's avatar

Ohh I didn’t even knew this one existed. Will have to add it to my list now, obviously!

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

YES! They're so beautiful. I'm telling anyone who will listen it's the best duck.

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Robert Francis's avatar

Thanks for the shout-out! Canvasbacks are always so exciting to see, and so noble-looking! I know birders and hunters walk in different circles, but their almost-mythical status among hunters (today and historically) also adds some mystique!

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Not entirely different circles, I keep finding out. I was asking around about where to find a Ruffed Grouse and one of our local birders replied that they don't hunt game birds much anymore so they weren't keeping track as much. I guess there is some overlap!

And you're welcome. Thanks for reading! Enjoyed your Audubon interview as well!

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Kelly C. Ballantyne's avatar

A delightful read as always! If I could ever pick a favorite duck, Canvasback might just be the winner. There is something extra special about those brilliant red eyes, and their chestnut (er, brown) heads.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

I like the use of the word "brilliant" here. Alex uses the word "creepy."

Thank you Kelly! As always!!

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Kelly C. Ballantyne's avatar

😂. And of course!

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Gary's avatar

Zowee! Don't expect I'll see the LeConte's Sparrow here in Virginia Beach, VA., but just checked out a video here:

https://abcbirds.org/bird/lecontes-sparrow/

Thanks again, Nathaniel Bowler, for the Canvasback details AND the LeConte's Sparrow heads up.:

https://billbowbaggins.substack.com/

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Definitely a tough one in the east! Haven’t heard of one ever showing up here in Pittsburgh.

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Gary's avatar

Methinks Mr. Bowler loves Canvasbacks. Now, I do as well. Off to follow the super links within. Many thanks to this modest yet superior birder. Someone to admire, IMHO.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Always the kindest comments Gary. Thanks so much for reading and sharing. Your support means so much!

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Sofia's avatar

A Canvasback is always a great duck to see! A lumpless bird, so smooth and sleek. Even as the largest diving duck around here, they’re surprisingly compact up close, lol. But that just makes them more efficient. And tbh, the best lifers are the ones that come out of nowhere—pure excitement with no expectations.

Also, I loved hearing about their conservation success story! I had no idea their population had rebounded so much. The waterfowl comeback gives me hope for other species.

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James Freitas's avatar

What a delightful look at a duck I knew nothing about (and have never seen) aside from the name! The way you are clearly enamored with a duck is wonderfully relatable. This wasn’t about Canvasback but you had me hooked after calling grebe “criminally undersung diving birds.” Lovely Lecontes Sparrow too—another Ive never seen.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Thanks James! I felt so lucky to see those sparrows the way I did. Really special lifer.

I hope you get the chance to see a Canvasback soon. It's been the best winter for them for me personally. Pretty much around somewhere every time I've gone ducking. They can be really scarce.

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Neil Barker's avatar

What an interesting bird in the Canvasback - not one I have ever seen before.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

I hope you get the chance to soon! They're just so gorgeous to behold, a real treat on a cold, windy day lol

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Alexandra Hidalgo's avatar

The canvas back swimming in that really brown water is killing me! It's a surreal picture. I don't have a favorite duck. I may need to get myself one!

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

There are so many to choose from! I recommend the Canvasback.

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Alexandra Hidalgo's avatar

Ha ha. No. Too creepy looking...

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Totally agree on the surprise lifers! There is no thrill like stumbling on a life bird. Been a while since that’s happened to me.

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