Is A Coot A Duck?

The American Coot seen here may look like just another duck to some. If you look at their feet they have long, lobed-shaped toes. Their bill is very small compared to an average duck and they have reddish eyes.

They do swim around like a duck and even spend time in the company of other ducks but they are not a duck. They are actually related to rails. 

Is A Merganser A Duck?

A merganser, like this Common Merganser is a type of duck that dives and catches fish. It has a long narrow bill which are equipped with look like little teeth (not actually teeth) to help grab onto their prey.

So yes, a merganser is a duck.

Not An Eagle And Not A Hawk

Many times people see vultures like this Black Vulture soaring in the skies in the company of hawks or eagles and assume that they too are a type of hawk or eagle. It's easy to understand because they are similar in size. Although a Black Vulture is not an eagle or hawk, it is considered a raptor or bird of prey.

I'm No Better Than The Groundhog

Like the groundhog, I reluctantly climbed out of my hole. After breakfast at the local diner, I was off to find a nice spot to look for some birds. Then I looked at a snowy ridge overlooking a frozen pond and decided to call it a day.

I'll just have a cup of coffee and watch birds out my window. Next week may be a different story but for now I'm no better than the groundhog.