This week’s top bird is a top-notch duck, the ruddy duck. With its bold breeding plumage, large head and unmistakable stiff tail, this is an easy bird to recognize. Its behavior is also fascinating as it sinks below the surface of the water to feed or dives quickly to avoid predators.

What fascinates me about ruddy ducks is their solitary attitude. While they do travel in tight-knit flocks, they often shun the presence of other ducks and geese at the same pond. This may be because they are slower swimmers at the surface of the water, or else their small size can make them feel more threatened in a group of larger waterfowl.

Are ruddy ducks part of your life list? Share your stories in the comments!

Ruddy Duck
Photo © Kevin Cole

According to a recent study reported in the Chicago Tribune, the size of birds’ feathers and the complexity of the molting process can indicate a bird’s flight capabilities. The larger a bird is, old feathers may wear out before new ones can grow in, which can impede the bird’s ability to fly. This may indicate an upper limit on the size of flying birds.

Through this study of more than 40 bird species, scientists discovered that the bird’s size affects how its feathers molt. Smaller birds that weigh less can lose several flight feathers without harm, while larger birds may take much longer to replace their feathers. Some species, such as ducks and geese that do not depend on flight for protection, can even replace all their feathers at once.

This is just one example of what birds can teach us. What have you learned from birds? Share your stories in the comments!

Swan Feather
Photo © Jim Champion

Five years ago, a chance sighting of the believed-to-be-extinct ivory-billed woodpecker had birders flocking to the swamps near Brinkley, Arkansas, each one hoping to catch of glimpse of the rare but elusive bird. According to TodaysTHV.com, however, that hope is waning and the Arkansas Nature Conservancy has announced they have no further plans to search for the ivory-billed woodpecker. Cornell University may also abandon search plans, despite having recently authenticated an ivory-billed woodpecker nest near Brinkley.

Nearly $11 million has been spent to find a living specimen of this rare bird, but it wasn’t enough for a true sighting. Do you think the search for this amazing bird should be continued, or should it be left to the swamps in peace? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Arkansas Swamp
Photo © Cyndy Sims Parr

A Park Rapids, Minnesota, man has dedicated his retirement from engineering to a new challenge: engineering the return of a beloved bird species, the purple martin. According to InForum.com, after retiring 23 years ago, Don Wilkins created an eclectic arrangement of purple martin houses on Long Lake where he monitors nesting colonies and uses his engineering expertise to ensure the houses are not taken over by other birds. Each house is designed to be suitable only for purple martins, and Wilkins adds whimsical decorations for easy identification.

With 106 of 117 houses occupied, Wilkins’ project is a great success, which he attributes to more than just suitable birdhouses. He has also cleared trees from his property to allow the birds to access the homes easily, and he positions the houses over the water where purple martins prefer to feed.

Do you have purple martin colonies in your backyard? Share your tips in the comments!

Purple Martin Colony
Photo © Tyson Blanquart