A Good Start

(c) 2013 High Virginia Images

Randolph County, WV is not known as a waterfowl hotspot; but you never know what will show up from time to time. This Canvasback sure surprised me. It was at the railroad trestle near Norton, this afternoon. (1/2/13) This location is just above the mouth of Grassy Run (the crown jewel of Randolph County). There were also 2 Lesser Scaup, 4 Buffleheads and 7 Ruddy Ducks present. This was a nice and pleasant way to start off the 2013 birding year. Until this afternoon; I was quite happy with the American Tree Sparrow and the Red-breasted Nuthatch, to begin the year. This may possibly be the first recorded sighting of a Canvasback in Randolph County !!

Thomas Dam Canvasback

The Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) is one of the largest diving ducks. It is most often found on large, deep bodies of water. This species is not something that you would expect to find at the dam in Thomas, WV. There was very little open water present. this Canvasback was right at the dam. You never know what you may find, if you pay attention to your surroundings.