Once you are familiar with the distinctive characteristics of the male canvasback (Aythya valisineria), you should have no problem identifying it even at a great distance.
Tag: Birdwatching
Bird Songs
One disadvantage of reading about bird songs is relying on a printed mnemonic. What better solution than a book with an audio player?
Top 10 Kansas Resources
There’s so much to learn about Kansas, including history, nature, architecture, and more. Where to start?
Top 10 Sights to See in the Flint Hills
Choosing only 10 places that represent the Flint Hills at their finest is not simple. Take any road and you will see something breathtaking.
The Two Easiest Ways to Attract Hummingbirds
Attracting hummingbirds to your backyard doesn’t have to be complicated! If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of these tiny creatures hovering outside, there are two incredibly simple ways to put out the welcome mat. One requires a little advanced planning, and one can be implemented today. Plant Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers A diverse display…… Continue reading The Two Easiest Ways to Attract Hummingbirds
BirdCast
Birdwatchers have long had a few hints and tricks on the best days to go birding (preferably on a cloudy day with low barometric pressure sometime near the peak of migration season). Now scientists have offered us a new tool. BirdCast, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, periodically releases migration forecasts to help birdwatchers pick…… Continue reading BirdCast
Kansas Bird Checklists
If you plan on doing any birdwatching in Kansas, equip yourself with a checklist first.
My Kansas
Back in 2011, the Kansas Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism Division, published a spectacular 160-page collection of best-of-Kansas scenes by the best Kansas photographers. This book, My Kansas: A Photographic Journey Across the Sunflower State, may now be easier to borrow than to buy. But if you can find a copy, by all means…… Continue reading My Kansas
Green-Winged Teal
The green-winged teal (Anas crecca) has the distinction of being the smallest dabbling duck in North America. The male has a rather striking color pattern. His head is a rich cinnamon color marked with an iridescent green stripe running back from the eye. If you can get a close look, notice the thin white line…… Continue reading Green-Winged Teal
Garganey
Don’t dismiss this drab duck—seeing a Garganey in Kansas is a rare treat.
