Bufflehead ducks

2011 flock

   I first noticed these ducks in a local pond last year and was happy to see them, the first thing that pops out about them is the striking black and white males a huge difference from yhe regular mallards that are here year round.


2012 flock

   I was stoked to see them back this year and around the same time looks like i can expect them every november, hopefully. luckily i happened to take a photo of them last year and the first thing that sticks out is this year they brought some friends from only three last year to ten this year. The first year there were 2 females and 1 male, this year there are 6 females and 4 males, I'm curious to see what happens next winter.


    Migrating birds as a whole are pretty amazing with their knowledge and endurance to consistently take advantage of geographic climate changes year after year. Very few humans can afford such a comfort. These bufflehead ducks come from the northern canada regions and travel almost two thousand miles to get here, simply incredible.
   One thing that should be noted is the buffleheads are relatively small in size but they had no problem fitting in with the local mallards they all swam around together in a group until i started trying to move in for a closer photo then the buffleheads seperated into their own group ready to take flight if i posed a risk.
   


females mostly black



male in flight

reference: allaboutbirds.org

kayak fishing lake san antonio

 this is a first for me i caught this catfish on a lure, i've heard of people catching catfish on lures before but i had only caught them on bait. the lake at this time of year was loaded with shad and i caught this cat on a silver castmaster that mimicked the shad. i casted about six inches from shore and the line got tight i thought i was snagged then i seen the splash and set the hook, it put up a really good fight i didnt want to lose it so i used the drag alot off and on with pretty lite tackle. i like to use a net with freshwater fish and i'm glad i did, i wanted a picture with the lure

 in its mouth but by the time i got my camera out the jig had popped loose. as with all freshwater fish i catch thi was released, see the water shot i tried to hold it for the photo but i splashed and bolted to the depths catfish are very strong and reselient

the release

     

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