Five male Harlequin Ducks fight for the attention of one female. Photo Credit: Jenna Ziogas

Washington’s waterfowl includes 27 species of duck. The majority of which, spend only the winter months in the Evergreen State before returning to their breeding grounds in northern Canada and Alaska.

The tiresome migration requires a great deal of energy but is worth the cost. The long days of sunlight and warmth that come along with the spring season, produce an almost unlimited amount of food. The small, shallow, wetlands of the northerly region warm faster than larger bodies of water, and teem with invertebrates. The abundant protein source is imperative for hens to make eggs.

But not all the waterfowl that winters along the rocky coasts and bays of the Olympic Peninsula make the journey north to the tundra or boreal forests.

Harlequin Ducks, for example, leave their rocky coastal wintering grounds and head up stream to their breeding sites along fast-flowing sections of the peninsula’s raging rivers. Their diet switches from marine crustaceans to freshwater aquatic insects and fish eggs. They gather conifer needles and moss to make their nests on small islands, sandbars, or even in the trees.

There are only a few more weeks left to observe the great diversity of wintering waterfowl on our shorelines and right now, is the best time! Unlike songbirds who begin their courtship (singing songs loudly) on their breeding grounds, waterfowl look for a mate on wintering grounds. During their final weeks here male ducks flash their fancy feathers and perform their best displays to attract the attention of a female and potential mate. All the while – conveniently providing great enjoyment to the human observer.

If you would like to learn more about the behavior, evolution, and adaptations of the Olympic Peninsula’s ducks, make sure to tune in on Tues. March 30 at 4pm to our next Virtual Learning presentation.

Virtual Learning: Ducks

Presented by Jenna Ziogas

Quackin’, dabblin’ , divin’, waddlin’. What are those ducks doing?? Come find out and learn more about the ducks of the Olympic Peninsula.

Tuesday, March 30th

4pm

Click here to register!