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WildLookoutKnow where to go. Know when to photograph.

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WildLookout

Opportunity scores are planning aids, not sighting guarantees. How scoring works

Wildlife welfare comes before any photograph.

Sightings from eBird
Weather by Open-Meteo
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Tiles by OpenFreeMap · Terrain from AWS Terrain Tiles

Waterfowl

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

A small, buoyant diving duck that winters on sheltered saltwater, harbors and lakes across Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Seasonality

Peaks across 5 months. Winter visitor from October to April.

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Behavior

Dives repeatedly in short bursts, then pops back up nearby.
Feeds in small groups in shallow, sheltered water close to shore.
The drake's dark head shimmers green and purple when the light catches it.

Photography tips

Watch the dive rhythm and refocus where the bird went under.
Side light brings out the iridescent head; in flat light it often looks plain black.

Field ethics

Let feeding flocks work along the shoreline toward you rather than chasing them.

Where to look

Semiahmoo SpitWhatcom County · Peaks across 5 months
Point Whitehorn Marine ReserveWhatcom County · Peaks across 5 months
Boulevard ParkWhatcom County · Peaks across 5 months
Padilla BaySkagit County · Peaks across 5 months