Sharpe Park

Today, I visited Skagit County's Sharpe Park for the first time. I only recently discovered that it was there. I found a network of old growth forest trails I can spend many hours exploring. The headlands offer terrific views of the San Juan Islands across Rosario Strait. I also found a large pond and wetland, tailor-made for wildlife. The park is located on the west side of Fidalgo Island off Rosario Road.
The pond was my first stop and right off the bat I spotted two handsome male Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cuculattus) in the company of a male Ring-necked Duck (Aythaya collaris). The peaked crown and a more decorated bill distinguish the latter from either the Greater or Lesser Scaup. I saw no females of either species.
The Hooded Mergansers were eager to display their crests. This makes me think there were hens somewhere in the area. Like Wood Ducks, they like to nest in tree cavities near water. I spotted at least two large nest boxes at the edge of the pond. Th…
The pond was my first stop and right off the bat I spotted two handsome male Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cuculattus) in the company of a male Ring-necked Duck (Aythaya collaris). The peaked crown and a more decorated bill distinguish the latter from either the Greater or Lesser Scaup. I saw no females of either species.
The Hooded Mergansers were eager to display their crests. This makes me think there were hens somewhere in the area. Like Wood Ducks, they like to nest in tree cavities near water. I spotted at least two large nest boxes at the edge of the pond. Th…