We get to see how sharp your UFD-spotting skills are, and see if you can actually identify a few dots. You guys are wizard: betcha you can do it.
All right, first you gotta spot the UFDs in this lovely nature scene:
I know, it’s not really fair, is it? Huge photo, itty bitty birdies. But I have complete faith in you. My faith is extra-special, as I am an ordained minister. How’s that feel, my darlings? Or should I say, my meatballets?
Okay, yes, you’re allowed to slap my hand with a wet noodle when next we meet. That was a very bad joke.
All right, try your luck with this photo.
All right, now that you’ve located the UFDs (you have, haven’t you?), I’ll give you a very special cropped image of them, but you’ll have to go here to get it.
What do you think? I’m pretty sure these are quite common waterbirds round here, but damned if I can remember what they are. Bet you do! Identify away, my darlings!
Black ducks with white patches on the back of the head? Prob. surf scoter. Bufflehead is very small and has white other places too, ditto Goldeneye.
Definitely Surf Scoters. Not “scooters” as I’ve heard people call them. Lots of them around the ferry docks this time of year. These are the males, the females are brown. The males also have spectacular coloring on the bill.
“UFD” now means “Unidentified Floating Dinosaur”, I see!
Lots of scoters around the area too. They are pretty common. It is fun to hang out at the bridge at Deception pass and watch them ride the currents.