"Dabbling" on Carillon Stonegate Pond
Common Name: Mallard.
Key Markings:
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Males: glossy green head and yellow bill; white neckband; chestnut-colored chest and gray body
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Females: mottled drab brown; iridescent purple-blue wing feathers
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Feed in the water by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants - dabbling
Common Name: Blue-winged Teal.
Key Markings:
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Distinctive white crescent in front of the eyes that is black-edged
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Most of the upper wing feathers are blue-gray
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White spot on the side of the rump.
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Body is tan with dark brown speckles
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Feed in the water by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants - dabbling
Common Name: Canada Goose.
Key Markings:
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Large waterbird
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Long black neck with its signature white chinstrap mark
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Brown body with paler chest and white undertail
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Feed in the water by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants - dabbling
Common Name: American Black Duck.
Key Markings:
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Similar size as a Mallard
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Very dark chocolate-brown flanks with pale gray-brown heads and olive-yellow bills
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Females tend to be slightly paler than males, with duller olive bills
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Feed in the water by tipping head down and grazing on underwater plants - dabbling
The Carillon at Stonegate community is very fortunate to have a variety of wetland, forest and prairie environments conducive to a variety of birds and other wildlife, plants and insects. Our community and the Kane County Forest Preserve do an exceptional job in maintaining this natural environment – both for the benefit of the birds and wildlife and for our residents to enjoy.
Take a hike and see what you can find – and identify!