They are female Bufflehead, which are very small ducks. Because of their size, from a distance they stood out immediately from the seventy or so Canada Geese that were also swimming on the lake.

Another interesting thing about the Bufflehead is that they dive for their food. They both went completely under for at least ten or fifteen seconds before surfacing. Presumably they were eating or looking for something to eat :)

They really are beautiful creatures. I was blessed to see them swimming, diving and flying across the lake today.

I realize that the photos aren’t that great, but considering how far away they were, I think the detail is pretty good. One of these days I’ll get around to purchasing a digiscoping set-up. Then, look out! :)