500 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



24. REDHEAD 



MARILA AMERICANA (Eyton) 



The Redhead is one of the most abundant ducks at the lake. 

 Though a spring and fall migrant, we have no spring records. We 

 have noted it October 4, 9, 12, 24, 25, 27, 28 and 31, November 

 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 19, and 30; and December 14 

 and 29. They usually arrive from the north early in October and 

 are abundant until in December. They are often seen associated 

 with the little bluebills, canvasbacks and coots; most often, per- 

 haps, with the canvasbacks, which it much resembles, but from 

 which it can readily be distinguished even at a distance by its high 

 forehead. 



It is often seen in Outlet Bay, coming in near shore on fine 

 mornings and quiet afternoons to feed on the wild celery which 

 there abounds. 



It is a stout, heavy bird, a good diver, usually not very timid, 

 and feeds chiefly on water vegetation of various kinds, such as 

 wild celery, pondweed, and the like. As an article of food it is 

 scarcely inferior to the canvasback. Several were weighed with 

 the following results : 2 pounds, 9^ ounces ; 2 pounds, 7 ounces ; 1 

 pound, 14 ounces; 2 pounds, 6^ ounces; 1 pound, 15^ ounces; 2 

 pounds, 3 ounces ; and 2 each of 2 pounds, 5^ ounces. 



On November 12, 1906, one hunter got 12, and another got 6. 



25. CANVASBACK 



MARILA VALISINERIA (Wilson) 



The Canvasback is one of the most abundant as well as most 

 interesting and valuable of the many species of ducks visiting the 

 lake. A flock was seen March 24, 1901 ; one bird on June 10 and 

 one on July 7, 1901, evidently a cripple left behind. From early 

 October until the lake freezes over, the Canvasback is very com- 

 mon. Our records are most numerous in November, and that is 

 doubtless the month of their greatest abundance. Next to the 

 little bluebill the Canvasback visits the lake in greatest numbers. 

 They begin to appear in the fall as early as October 25 and by the 

 middle of November they have reached their maximum which is 

 maintained approximately for 2 or 3 weeks, after which the num- 

 bers diminish. A good many remain, however, until compelled to 

 leave by the freezing over of the lake. In 1901, several remained 

 as late as January 9 and 10 when only one small open space was 

 left. 



The Canvasback is the most unsuspecting and unprepared of 



