Fun Orange County Parks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Nature Outings

A Good Day for Ducks: Pintails and Buffleheads

Have you heard the saying? It means it's raining outside.

Did you know that ducks are categorized by whether they are "dabbling" ducks or "diving" ducks?  Here's what dabbling looks like:

It means the ducks are dipping down to scrounge for food off the bottom. Bolsa Chica Wetlands is a good place for dabbling ducks. This one happens to be an adult Northern Pintail which is pretty distinctive with those sharply pointed tail feathers. They are dabbling for "seeds taken from the water and while grazing" according to my Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America.

The often "dabble" in groups which is especially entertaining for kids:

Diving ducks love the wetlands, too. These adult breeding Buffleheads also like the Wetlands and will dive down and swim quite a ways before popping up like a bath toy. Sibley's says they "dive for mollusks, crustaceans, and insect larvae." They are also quite small for ducks.

Where to go to see dabbling and diving ducks?

  • Bolsa Chica Wetlands
  • San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Any OC park with a lake

How to identify birds:

  • To really enjoy the moment with your kids, talk to them about what you are seeing and let them try to pick out memorable traits
  • See if they want to make up a name for the bird! I love it when kids do that!
  • Snap a quick photo if you have a camera
  • Then, when you get home pull out your Sibley Guide and look through it with them.  If you'd rather go the high tech route - there's a Merlin Bird ID app or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a mindblowing bird site.

Originally published in February 2014.

More Nature Outings

  • 2 Kid-Friendly San Diego Beaches with Playgrounds
  • Back Bay Science Center Community Days in Newport Beach
  • Seabridge Park and Beach in Huntington Harbour
  • Cheat Sheet to Park and Beach Passes for OC Families

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. Humbly sharing playful OC outdoor places to fit your tight budget through this unofficial and free community resource filled with time-tested recommendations from parents/caregivers like you.

More about me

Popular

  • Splash Parks and Water Play in Orange County
  • San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park
  • 25 Best Family Movies to Watch on Rainy Indoor Weekends
  • 6 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves

Seasonal

  • Marina Park in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula
  • Newport Dunes Beach Cottages and Resort Overview
  • Corona Del Mar State Beach for Families
  • Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About + Start Here

Newsletter

  • Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2008-2025 Play Parks Creative LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclosure