can you identify this species of duck?

[tomfly]

I took these pictures on the lower Raritan River this morning. I have never seen this species on the river. At first I thought they were Puffins. Highly unlikely that they would be this far south, and the beak is not right. So I can rule them out. I looked on the web , I can not find an identification for them. The closest I found is a Bufflehead but I am not positive that is what they are. I sorry for the grainy pics ,zoom constraint of my camera. I can say this; they dive for food, (observed them diving). They have a white lower body and black upper. They have a black and white head, and they are about the size of a Mallard. All these observations were made from about 75 yards away. Can anyone identify the species?

 

[Future Fanatic]

I took these pictures on the lower Raritan River this morning. I have never seen this species on the river. At first I thought they were Puffins. Highly unlikely that they would be this far south, and the beak is not right. So I can rule them out. I looked on the web , I can not find an identification for them. The closest I found is a Bufflehead but I am not positive that is what they are. I sorry for the grainy pics ,zoom constraint of my camera. I can say this; they dive for food, (observed them diving). They have a white lower body and black upper. They have a black and white head, and they are about the size of a Mallard. All these observations were mad from about 75 yards away. Can anyone identify the species?

Looks like Buffleheads to me.

 

[lightenup]

I also, in my meanderings along the South branch watercourse, have observed these splendid fowl. I conjointly conclude that these anonymous water dwelling winged critters are also Bufflehead ducks. May I exhort, that in the future, when photographing these fine feathered fowl, you make a concerted endeavor to approach within a reasonable scope, where as, your visual recording apparatus can capture a befitting reproduction so the rest of the noble gentlemen on NEFF can facilitate the proper interpretation of said images. In any matter Mr. Fly, those purported beaked water creatures are a tad smaller than the common Mallard.

 

[The Squirminator]

Most definitely Bufflehead drakes, hens have more dark brown heads and bodies with a smaller white spot on their cheeks. They are diving ducks as opposed to dippers, like mallards. They eat lots of stuff from the bottom- mussels, clams, snails and small minnows so they are not the tastiest of table fare.

 

[tomfly]

I also, in my meanderings along the South branch watercourse, have observed these splendid fowl. I conjointly conclude that these anonymous water dwelling winged critters are also Bufflehead ducks. May I exhort, that in the future, when photographing these fine feathered fowl, you make a concerted endeavor to approach within a reasonable scope, where as, your visual recording apparatus can capture a befitting reproduction so the rest of the noble gentlemen on NEFF can facilitate the proper interpretation of said images. In any matter Mr. Fly, those purported beaked water creatures are a tad smaller than the common Mallard.

I agree but my camera is not the best for distance shots or any shot.. I got as close as I could. Just curious The South Branch watercourse; is that like an Olympic course that one takes when one stumbles and falls when wading on the SBR?

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Very common winter visitor of our rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal saltwater areas. We should be seeing hooded mergansers on our rivers soon as well. Teal, ruddy ducks, ringnecks, and others as well.