Tundra Swans

 A flock of eight Tundra Swans relaxes Sunday afternoon at the Horicon Marsh.  Their eye is distinct from their black bill and they have a yellow area on the lore (base of the bill).  These features distinguish them from the Trumpeter Swan.

Ring-necked Ducks

Ring-necked Ducks stop by for a swim during spring migration.  “Ring-necked” seems like a misnomer, but up close, the male has a faint band of chestnut colored feathers around his neck.  He reminds me of a groomsman at a wedding who is wearing a tie to match the bridesmaid’s dress.  You can see the brown female Ring-necked Duck swimming further back.  They dive for dinner that includes underwater plants and invertebrates (snails, worms, dragonfly nymphs).  Unlike other diving ducks, they can take off without a running start.

Dike Road is still closed to travel by car.  Instead of following the gravel road when it turns left, we hiked to the right on the grassy path.  Both flocks were in this area.  Spring is arriving at the Horicon Marsh!