The Migrating...
AMERICAN WIGEON
photo taken: Oso Bay - Corpus Christi, Texas
The American Wigeon population experienced a major, drought-induced decline in the early 1980s, cutting the population almost in half. By 1997, the population had steadily recovered to near-former levels and is considered stable. The breeding grounds are fairly stable for this far-north breeder, although migration stopover and wintering sites are threatened by the loss of wetlands that has occurred throughout the United States.
...and the not migrating
BOAT TAILED GRACKLE [female]
photo taken: Lakeview Park - Corpus Christi, Texas
I've been reading up on grackles vs. cowbirds since this photo I got shows such a vivid bronze head and breast. At first glance I thought this was a cowbird. But the beak was too elongated. Then, when taking the photo from the camera card to upload it to the blog, I noticed the eye color. While checking for identification, it's stated that grackles have a distinct bright golden yellow eye color. YET...reading on one site, it tells me that boat tailed grackles have dark eyes along the Atlantic coast while in the Gulf Coast area, the eyes are yellow. Reading further, cowbirds...nation wide, have dark eyes and a thicker beak. So, I'm sticking with female boat tailed grackle. I love the challenge. Even if I may be incorrect for now, unless otherwise told differently.
CAYUGA DUCK
photo taken: Lakeview Park - Corpus Christi, Texas
This breed of duck is listed as threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, tho considered a domesticated duck. The Cayuga is in the "Medium class" and has been a recognized breed of the American Poultry Association since 1874. the standard weight for adult males is 8 pounds and females 7 pounds. The Cayuga are characterized by a black bill and black plumage which is an iridescent beetle green in the correct light. The temperament of the Cayuga is docile, and adult Cayuga Ducks enjoy eating snails, slugs, and most other insects.