As Texas’ bone-chilling, blustery, cold temperatures settle over the Dallas/White Rock Lake area, goosebumps, runny noses and winter coats are not all it will bring out.

New birds of a feather will also be settling in and around the waters of White Rock Lake.

One of the most easy-to-spot birds of the season will be the Bufflehead ducks, found swimming near the cypress-bordered shore. These little guys will dive quickly underwater, then pop up with their big, puffy heads. As with most bird species, the adult males are the most resplendent in their formalwear of black and white, with iridescent green and purple heads. They sport a white patch behind each eye. Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind each eye and a light underside. Also a common sighting is the pied-billed grebes, Northern shovelers, ruddy ducks, mallards, coots, and even some great egrets.

Most of these birds tend to hang out around the old boathouse and near the docks. Last but not least, you have the signature winter bird of White Rock Lake: the white pelican. They are spectacular fliers; you would be too if your wingspan was larger than a bald eagle. These guys are all about teamwork when it comes to mealtime. The pelicans come together in a handful or so to feed, thus allowing them to cooperate and chase fish to one another. Talk about strategy.