Redhead / Aythya americana

Photographed this handsome Redhead breeding male a few days ago. On the rare occasion that I do see one, usually they are far, far away.

"The Redhead (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized diving duck, 37 cm long with an 84 cm wingspan.

The adult male has a blue bill, a red head and neck, a black breast, yellow eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a darker bluish bill with a black tip.

The breeding habitat is marshes and prairie potholes in western North America. Loss of nesting habitat has led to sharply declining populations. Females regularly lay eggs in the nests of other Redheads or other ducks, especially Canvasbacks. Redheads usually take new mates each year, starting to pair in late winter." From Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redhead_(duck)

Flickr friend Jim (Garnite) desperately needs all the healing vibes he can possibly get at the moment, lying in ICU in Vancouver General Hospital. Jim had yet another setback yesterday (apparently, this was the third time they didn't think he was going to make it), but news that I read late last night said he had suddenly improved in a few different ways. Still a long, slow way to go - this journey is certainly a roller coaster ride for both Jim and Linda. Healing vibes coming your way, JIm!