Pell Mell

Caught these canvasbacks running pell mell over the surface of the water, headlong in their haste to lift to the skies.  I wanted to soar with them!

And here's the etymology of "pell mell", which I can't help sharing with you.  It means overhasty, confused or disorderly and comes from a pair of Old French words, "pesle mesle" which came from "mesler" meaning "to mix" or "meddle".  

Canvasbacks

There were hundreds of canvasbacks on the river near LeClaire, Iowa last weekend.  I stopped to get a few pictures, and was excited to see them in such numbers.

They are so distinctive, with their whitish backs and bodies, and red heads.

Here's a picture of one with a Canada goose, for size comparison.

Canvasback

I was thrilled one day to spot this Canvasback on one of my walks.  His look is so distinctive that it cannot be mistaken, and when I saw him far out on the water, I knew I was seeing something new to me.

Since it was mating season, I first had this fellow mistakenly married off to a red-headed merganser, but my field guides soon put things to right.  I never did see Mrs. Canvasback.

I've got to share the etymology for this species.  It is called Aythya valisineria, which is the scientific name for wild celery - this duck's favorite food.  The common name refers to the white back and body being colored like canvas, and appearing to be textured like canvas as well.