A couple of days ago I reported the first arrival of the season of some Ruddy
Ducks on Phantom L. in Bellevue. At that time, the ducks were on the far side
of the lake. I could not get a detailed look and the ID was solely based on
stiff upright tails characteristic of the Ruddy Duck.

Today the ducks were on the near side, only about 100' away. The stiff
upright tail was still observed, but the ducks were female Hooded Mergansers.
I have never noticed this stiff upright tail on the HOME before. The only
bird book that showed this was the Stoke's Field Guide to Birds-Western
Region. It has a very good picture that accurately shows the stiff upright
tail on a female HOME. These HOME were a first of the season for the Lake
Hills Greenbelt area which includes Phantom L.

Another important lesson learned to file away for future use.

Hugh Jennings
Bellevue, WA
hughbirder at aol.com