The Bufflehead duck which is short for buffalo head speaks to the size of the head of this small duck. This female Bufflehead is the only one that I have seen so far. Hence, these poor record shots. It appeared in Long Pond last March and I haven't heard of any other sighting since then.
This lone Bufflehead was hanging out with some Lesser Scaups. Next to them it looks really small, and the Scaups are small birds already.
There may be a reason that the Bufflehead is staying close to the Scaups. Both are diving ducks, and it is the practice among divers for one duck to stay on the water to act as a look-out while the others dive. It may be that it is only seeking protection.
