Is that a duck, a domestic escapee, or a hybrid? The scene is familiar: you spot a waterfowl in the city pond that looks too large, too white, or sports a bizarre bright red warts on its face. This confusion is the reality of urban waterfowl. The Guide to Urban Ducks, Geese, Swans, and Hybrids […]
Welcome to the Guide to the Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, and Swans of the State of Florida. I created this resource to help birdwatchers (birders) and nature lovers learn and identify these birds found across the Sunshine State’s marshes, swamps, and coastal wetlands. From the tiny teals to larger swans, this guide includes plates that feature different plumages highlighting species’ key identification features. It species account also includes many aspects of each species’ natural history. I have grouped ducks, mergansers, geese and swan species into groups and subgroups according to bird taxonomy helping you recognize these birds quickly and with confidence. At the end I also include feral and domestic waterfowl commonly found at city parks and retention ponds.
The Fundamental Ecological Split When identifying waterfowl, the single most critical distinction wildlife managers and birders make is separating the Dabblers from the Divers. This isn’t just a trick; it’s the fundamental ecological blueprint for nearly every North American waterfowl species. All species within the family Anatidae are functionally divided by one simple, critical choice:
After more than 20 years in the field with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I’ve worked through multiple identification resources. This guide is a comprehensive synthesis designed to elevate your understanding of North American ducks, as well as Geese and Swans. I aim to bridge the gap between a field guide and in-depth ecological
In this guide, I invite you to explore the wetland birds of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New Brunswick through 31 custom, species-specific plates. I created this resource for birders and nature enthusiasts to help identify birds across Northern New England and the Canadian Provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Each
Explore North Carolina’s wetland birds through 46 custom, species-specific plates. I created this guide for birders and nature enthusiasts to help identify birds across the Tar Heel State. Each plate highlights key identification traits, habitats, behaviors, and natural history. To make things easier, I’ve grouped species by size—Very Large (crane-sized, >10 lb), Large (stork-sized, 5–10
In this guide, I invite you to explore Louisiana’s wetland birds through 46 custom, species-specific plates. I created this resource for birders and nature enthusiasts to help identify birds across the Bayou State. Each plate highlights key identification traits, habitats, behaviors, and natural history. To make things easier, I’ve grouped species by size—Very Large (crane-sized,
Explore my Guide to the Wetland Birds of Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland through 40 illustrated bird species plates with field marks, behavior, habitat and, natural history. I created this guide to help birdwatchers (birders) and nature lovers identify and know more about the wetland birds. To make identification easier, I’ve grouped species by
Welcome to my Guide to the Wetland Birds of Texas, created to help birdwatchers (birders) and nature lovers identify species found across the Lone Star State’s marshes, swamps, and coastal wetlands. From cranes to secretive rails, this guide includes plates that highlight each species’ key identification features, as well as, habitats, behaviors, and natural history.
Welcome to my Guide to the Wetland Birds of the State of Georgia. I created this guide to help birdwatchers (birders) and nature lovers identify the birds found across the Peach State’s marshes, swamps, and coastal wetlands. From cranes to secretive rails, this guide includes plates that highlight each species’ key identification features, as well
