I was intending to write a 50 word story today, inspired by a fellow blogger, Adela, over at Black Tortoise Press, and her "Fifty Word Wednesday". But it didn't work out this week. Sorry, Adela.
It's in the lower center near bottom of page |
OK, this photo wasn't taken in Scotland. And it's definitely not the Loch Ness Monster but it reminded me of Nessie. No, it was taken along the Susquehanna River just outside Johnson City, New York on October 3. It's a waterfowl. It might be a diving duck, but I am not sure it is even a duck. (Please note we are only beginning birders!)
We just can't ID it, even after looking at our trusty bird guide and a couple of birding websites. It didn't spend that much time above the water, as it dove constantly. It had a long neck and you couldn't see much else, with all the diving.
We saw a similar waterfowl on Seneca Lake the end of August and watched that bird, and this one, for a while. Both times, the bird was feeding in deeper waters (not along the shore) by diving, and then coming up feet from where it dove.
On Sunday, after it fed, it floated down the river a bit. Then, the bird finally raised itself up, flapping vigorously and showing all black wings. Finally, it flew, just feet above the water, down the center of the river, against the current, and out of our sight. I know colors can be deceptive, depending on light and other factors, and individual birds can differ in color. But to us, it looked all black, including the wings, which we saw when it raised itself up in the water and flapped.
Can anyone give us a helpful hint?
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.
We will just call it a monster duck as we see the Lochness guy in it as well.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a cormorant? They often have white on the neck but not always.
ReplyDelete...the head looks like a loon.
ReplyDeleteCute Nessie! I don't know know if you have them, but I'd think it was a cormorant if it were here.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a duck. I've seen similar birds around here, I forgot what they're called...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot and it does look like Nessie. A great shot.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥
I am not sure if it is or not a duck. But I saw something in the background of the image that looked strange, but after I saw that was on the shore! So... nothing dangerous!
ReplyDeleteHappy WW and a fine week!
I was there a while back, didn't see Nessie though.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely guess a loon. We get them all the time here in Canada. In and out of political circles...
ReplyDeleteWish I could Id it for you. I often run across birds I can’t identify!
ReplyDeleteI often get frustrated when I can't identify a bird!
ReplyDeleteGood luck identifying. I'm surprised your reference material fell short. Hopefully someone can be of help.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many Seneca they are. My Grandma comes from Seneca Kansas
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe