The long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) takes its name from the lengthy, pointed appendage of the male.
Black Scoter
The black scoter (Melanitta nigra) takes its name from the plumage of the male, the only solid black duck in North America.
White-Winged Scoter
The largest of the scoter species in Kansas is the white-winged (Melanitta fusca). It takes its name from the white secondary feathers, visible on both males and females.
Surf Scoter
The male surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is a peculiar-looking duck, not readily forgotten. He is known as the “skunkhead."
Harlequin Duck
Seen up close, the male harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) sports a unique pattern that accounts for his name.
Your Weather Folklore Questions Answered
Answers to excellent questions about weather folklore sayings, from lightning to persistence to signs of the changing seasons.
Myth or Fact: 10 Weather Folklore Sayings
How well do you know your weather folklore? Find out which of these 10 sayings are fact and which are myth.
Common Eider
The male common eider (Somateria mollissima) presents a somewhat strange appearance, not likely to be confused with that of any other species.
King Eider
The male king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a bird that is guaranteed to make an impression. Whether he is gaudy or beautiful depends on your perspective.
50 Garden Journal Prompts
What to write in your garden journal? Here are 50 ideas to jog your creativity, including something for every season.
Homestead on the Range 