A mere 100 by 45 feet of open water is all that remains of the totally frozen Prospect Lake, along the west shore, yet passing along from the park drive, I was pretty impressed to see an array of unexpected duck species in a "Duck Puddle"
After work, I proceed most times along the drive with the hard packed snow and ice making walking a negotiable task.When the lake came into view, it was sparse with birds. So I figured nothing around at this time in the late mid afternoon, until I saw a white crest in the "duck puddle". To my surprise, there was a drake HOODED MERGANSER, accompanied by a hen. That's not all: a drake RING-NECKED DUCK too! Forced into the only remaining open water , these ducks had no choice to reside in probably the only open freshwater spot in all of Brooklyn.Further investigating also produced RUDDY DUCK along with a complement of NORTHERN SHOVELERS, Coots, Canada Geese, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK filled out the usual list. So, 6 species of duck in such a small area is mighty impressive on a late chilled February day , I say.
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/8/11
Number of species: 8
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 35
Ring-necked Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 1
