A couple of days above freezing temperatures has opened a large hole in the ice at the Sylvan Waters. An amazing diversity of waterfowl has appeared in Green-Wood Cemetery's largest pond.
What had been dominated by Mallards and Canada Goose was now bustling with 10 species of water birds; Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon (74), American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser and Pied-billed Grebe.
One nice surprise was the appearance of a Eurasian Wigeon. The brightly colored duck was sleeping on the man-made island in the center of the pond. Also surprising was the abundance of American Wigeons; 74 total. The irresistible pull of longer daylight hours and a distant beckoning call of Springtime had two birds hypnotized. 
A male Hooded Merganser and Ring-necked Duck were performing courtship displays to nobody in particular, especially since there were no other individuals of their species present. The lonely Pied-billed Grebe who overwintered in the tiny pond has yet to develop the dark chin and ringed bill of a breeding grebe. If he sticks around, it will be interesting to compare the photos as his plumage changes.
What had been dominated by Mallards and Canada Goose was now bustling with 10 species of water birds; Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon (74), American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser and Pied-billed Grebe.
One nice surprise was the appearance of a Eurasian Wigeon. The brightly colored duck was sleeping on the man-made island in the center of the pond. Also surprising was the abundance of American Wigeons; 74 total. The irresistible pull of longer daylight hours and a distant beckoning call of Springtime had two birds hypnotized. 
A male Hooded Merganser and Ring-necked Duck were performing courtship displays to nobody in particular, especially since there were no other individuals of their species present. The lonely Pied-billed Grebe who overwintered in the tiny pond has yet to develop the dark chin and ringed bill of a breeding grebe. If he sticks around, it will be interesting to compare the photos as his plumage changes.
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