The beautiful male Redhead is characterized by a short, pale bluish bill, high forehead, compact build, black lower neck, and a gray back. Although classified as a diving duck, the Redhead often dabbles in shallow water.  It is most likely to be seen in small numbers in the freshwater portion of the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon just west of Sorrento Valley Road.  Redheads do most of their feeding in the early morning or late evening, spending their days resting on water.  They can be seen in large flocks during the winter in areas such as San Diego's Mission Bay.

Photo and text by Dr. Gary Grantham