I’m Finally Seeing Lots of Sea Ducks

Although I still haven’t sighted a Harlequin or male Red-Breasted Merganser, this is my favorite time of year to bird in Washington because the Puget Sound area is a winter refuge for Sea Ducks.

One of my favorites is the male Bufflehead,

but its tendency to dive when frightened makes it less exciting to photograph than Goldeneyes,

which run away and take flight when frightened.

I love the challenge of catching birds in flight

and the Goldeneyes in Port Orchard have given me lots of tries at getting a good shot over the last few years.

Since they seem to make a call when frightened, sometimes you can even get a shot of them when they fly from behind you.