Diving Ducks Decoded: Rick’s Top Tips for Tricky Duck ID

Diving ducks are a challenge to identify—they spend most of their time underwater, and when they pop up, many look remarkably similar. But don’t worry! I’m Rick, your virtual birding guide, and in this video, I’ll show you fun and memorable ways to master the art of identifying North America’s diving ducks.

I’ve solved the mystery of diving duck identification using fun, practical techniques that even beginners can master. By the end of this video, you’ll feel confident identifying species at your local lake or pond.


What you’ll learn in Part 2 of my Beginner Birding Masterclass series:

🦆 Why diving ducks are so challenging to spot

📸 How to use images and mnemonics for easy ID to identify species like mergansers, eiders, scaup, and more...

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro and list of ducks mentioned in video
01:30 Redhead and Canvasback
02:50 Ringnecked Duck
03:43 Greater Scaup and Lesser Scaup
05:16 Harlequin Duck
06:04 Common Eider and King Eider
07:09 Surf Scoter, White Winged Scoter, Black Scoter
08:44 Common Goldeneye and Barrow's Goldeneye
09:52 Bufflehead
10:34 Hooded Marganser
11:28 Common Merganser and Red-breasted Merganser
13:13 Ruddy Duck
14:15 Like, comment, and subscribe










What’s your favorite diving duck? Mine is the Harlequin—for obvious reasons 🤡. Let me know yours in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! 🦆💬

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This video is **Part 2 of 2 Duck ID in my Beginner Birding Masterclass series**, where I help birders of all levels grow their skills and confidence. Here’s the link to Part 1 to learn about the dabbling ducks:

I post new videos every Friday.

👉 Hit *Subscribe* to be part of my birding community, where we join the joys and adventure of bird watching.

--Gear--
Here's all my favourite birding gear:

Binoculars: https://tinyurl.com/299dadw9
Birdfeeders: https://tinyurl.com/5n6bb24p
Birding Books: https://tinyurl.com/33m62ncf
Spotting Scopes: https://tinyurl.com/yn5n6u6p

--Who am I?--

If we haven’t met before 👋 I’m Rick, a passionate birder who loves sharing the joy of birdwatching with others. My videos on this channel offer simple tips, fascinating facts, and practical guides to help you connect with nature, improve your birding skills, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder, I’m here to help you discover the beauty of birds and build a deeper appreciation for the world around you.