Stanley Park Explorer

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November 22

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Places to Visit and Explore Nature in Stanley Park Ecosystem Guides: Lake Stanley Park Visitor Map: with Park Features, Trails, and Destinations Lost Lagoon

Bufflehead Fall Arrival Bufflehead return to Stanley Park in late October with most arriving in small groups to spend their first days along the park's ocean shores. They're most often spotted near Lumbermen's Arch, Coal Harbour, and Second Beach Pool. By late Nov. they begin to appear on Lost Lagoon. Courtship Behaviour As with many duck species, pair formation begins early and can be observed through most of the winter months. Males actively court the females using highly ritualized displays. Male bufflehead typically behave in an active and aggressive fashion when courting females. In this photograph, a male bobs his head up and down in a series of rapid movements which emphasize the striking white patch on the back of the male,s head. Note how the male puffs out his contour feathers to make himself appear larger.       Field Guide Entry: Bufflehead

Stanley Park Explorer http://www.stanleyparkexplorer.ca Produced by Peter Woods naturalist@stanleyparkexplorer.ca           Revised: May 20, 2011