That buffleheads are sometimes called butterballs? This species has a low, swift flight and unlike most divers, they can fly straight up from a watery takeoff. They are challenging to photograph up close because they dive or take off as soon as they see you lift up your camera. Maybe they think it is a gun, although I can’t imagine they are hunted, they are so small and incredibly cute.
E.J. Lefavour
Good Morning Gloucester 
A flock of them were out on Pirates Cove yesterday.
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They are probably the most easiest duck to identify. Every winter we have dozens of them Good pics Joey !
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I just love the wildlife here in beautiful Gloucester! We have the Annasquam River view plus the Harbor view.., just very gorgeous wildlife all around us. I feel quite blessed 🙂
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p.s. I choose Butterballs vs. Bufflehead lol
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Yes, we are quite blessed, and I like Butterballs better as a name for them too.
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Ever since we moved up to Gloucester last March, I’ve been wondering what the name for those ducks were. I’ve looked in my bird book but couldn’t find them. I always see several of them by Stage Fort Park. Thanks E.J.
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Great “close up” shots, E.J.
I’m not familiar with them, but they sure look cuddly. I see “horizontal” penguins, lol.
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We have them down here all summer in prodigeous numbers. But, they are hunted along the Atlantic Flyway.
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I love them! Where do I find them, they’re so cute 🙂
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Look a little like Puffins.
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Vicki, I normally see them in protected water areas, like Lobster Cove, Goose Cove, Smith’s Cove, Kathy Chapman said she saw them at Pirates Cove, and I saw some this weekend along Eastern Point Blvd.
Bill, I am sad to hear that and a little surprised. They are such small birds I can’t imagine they have much meat, especially after you’ve blown one away with a shotgun.
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