Buffleheads are North America's smallest (and arguably, cutest) ducks.   Males have beautifully irridescent black and white heads; females are less flamboyant but still have a flashy white cheek.   Buffleheads breed on northern lakes and winter farther south.   These buffleheads were mostly photographed at Bolsa Chica wetlands in coastal Orange County, California.

• Canon 10D, 1D Mk. II, 1D3, 1D4, or 7D2; 500 mm IS lens plus 1.4X or 2X converter or 800 mm lens, some with fill-in flash (2003-2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2017)