This time of year, Bitter Lake is home, at least temporarily, to many species of birds. Common Mergansers and Buffleheads are quite conspicuous and showy, especially in a little sunlight; the male bufflehead is bright white and black but the iridescence of the feathers on the head and neck can show up to advantage in the light. The buffleheads are diving ducks; I've seen two males and three little females on the lake recently. There are also Hooded Mergansers as well as Common Mergansers appearing, and are delightfully unusual.
