Bird ID / North Fork Clackamas River Trail

[forestkeeper]

Hey everyone. Encountered two birds that I've never seen before and a species of polypore as I hiked on the lost trail, Falls Creek Falls Trail. Here's the 1st one. I think it may be a
Belted Kingfisher:

It sure is super cute though. Here's the second, which I believe are Ring-necked Ducks:

And here are the polypores which seem to be Flecked-flesh polypores.

So, what do you think?

Thanks!!!

Will

[adamschneider]

Yup, the belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is the only kingfisher we have around here. The only one found north of Texas, actually.

I don't know ducks as well, but it looks like you've got a couple of diferent kinds there. Maybe ring-necked, maybe bufflehead? The one with the more interesting white marks looks a little like a harlequin duck, but the head markings don't really match up.

Useful Web page: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/species/bird ... _geese.asp

[n.bumppo]

The ducks are hooded mergansers.

[adamschneider]

So they are. I didn't think they had enough of a "mohawk" to be Lophodytes cucullatus, but the coloring definitely matches!

[Grannyhiker]

Note that birds puff up their feathers for more insulation when it's cold, just as we do with our down sleeping bags or jackets.