Whimbrel

Whimbrel

The genus name Numenius (new-MEAN-ih-us) is Latin from the Greek noumenios, of the new moon; curve of bill is likened to new crescent moon. The species name phaeopus (FEE-oh-pus) is from the Greek phaios, gray, and pous, foot, gray-foot. It was named Whimbrel in England from uttered note which sounded like whim. It is a member of the curlew family.

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck

The Pacific Harlequin is the only duck in the world that divides its time between oceans and mountains.  It spends summers in turbulent mountain streams and winters in rocky coastal waters.  Weighing only 1 ½ pounds, a harlequin, 16-18” in length, is about half the size of a wild mallard.  The four letter code is HARL.

Canada and Cackling Goose

Canada and Cackling Goose

Mitochondrial DNA study of the Canada Goose has resulted in two matriarchal size-related species of very similar looking geese.  The Canada Goose is now the larger-bodied group which breeds in mid-range latitudes of the northern hemisphere.  The Cackling Goose is the smaller-bodied group which breeds in the tundra region.