[EBB Sightings] Cinnamon Teale at Garretson - pic

Finally a calm sunny day.  I went to Garretson at MLK Shoreline to see what was in the mini-mitigation reserve.  Nothing unusual but still the nice, close views of Teales. 

In this picture I got a shot of a male and female Cinnamon taking off.

http://www.pbase.com/image/120531315

Like Mallards, Widgeons, Pintails, et. al., they have a "tell" when they are about to fly.  They want a runway and so will paddle to a spot where there is open water ahead of them into the wind. They need it for a running start. Circling around  at the take-off spot, it is usually the male that begins to bob its head and eventually he holds it erect looking out in the direction of take-off. Low peeps and calls are often given. This can happen several times. There is a noticeable sense of anticipation.

Then in an instant many take off at once.

With larger flocks, like Widgeons, waves of take-offs occur in short order as a group behind comes into position.

Fun to watch, and try to predict, it usually happens at Garretson an hour or two before sunset (for the Widgeons). I don't know where they go...or why.