Dec. 13, 2024: in Falmouth’s shallow water ways, playful Bufflehead ducks dive gracefully, pop up like corks, dash across water, and flash iridescent colors while foraging, delighting birdwatchers with their lively and charming antics!

Bufflehead ducks, small and striking in appearance, are a delight to observe in the shallow waters around Falmouth during the winter months. These buoyant divers exhibit playful foraging habits as they search for food. Here are some of their characteristic behaviors:

1. Diving and Popping Up: Buffleheads are adept divers, plunging into the water with a quick, smooth motion to forage for aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They often reappear a short distance away, their compact bodies bobbing up like corks, which creates a playful, almost mischievous impression.

2. Social Interactions: While they are often seen foraging alone or in small groups, Buffleheads occasionally interact with each other in what looks like playful chases or synchronized diving. These interactions are not just functional but add a lively dynamic to their presence.

3. Surfacing Behavior: After a dive, a Bufflehead may shake its head or wings, sending droplets of water flying. This exuberant behavior can look like they’re enjoying their time in the water as much as they are feeding.

4. Quick Dashes and Dips: Buffleheads are known for their agility, darting across the surface of the water before quickly dipping under. Their movements are quick and precise, often startling small fish or stirring up sediment to access hidden prey.

5. Bright and Reflective Displays: The males, with their striking iridescent plumage, sometimes flash their colors while foraging, especially when sunlight hits their heads at the right angle. This display adds to the visual charm and liveliness of their winter antics.

These habits, combined with their small size and distinctive appearance, make Buffleheads a favorite among birdwatchers on Cape Cod. Their playful foraging style is not only effective but also a source of joy for anyone lucky enough to observe them during the chilly winter months.