Pier One 2/17--Ruddy Ducks (Finally)

They are there, the Ruddy Ducks. I was starting to get just a little paranoid that I wasn't seeing them. Today there were 8 floating off the pilings. Here's the odd thing: When I went back about 1/2 hour later after covering the land area of the park (with little success), I couldn't find the Ruddy Ducks again. All the other ducks were there, but no Ruddies. It is enough to make one doubt one's senses.

Brant numbers seem to be increasing there; I counted 59 today.

I imagine the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is not going to be so happy with these avian visitors once they notice all the fertilizer they're leaving behind.

Note to self: Don't sit on the lawns at Pier One.

Lists for the day:
Brooklyn Bridge Park--between Piers 3 & 4
Number of species:    6
Gadwall    4
American Black Duck    3
Bufflehead    2
Double-crested Cormorant    1
Great Black-backed Gull    1
Mourning Dove    1
Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier One
Number of species:    9
Brant    59
Gadwall    12
American Black Duck    7
Bufflehead    1
Ruddy Duck    8
Double-crested Cormorant    1
Ring-billed Gull    15
Herring Gull    2
House Sparrow    4