12 November 2017
Our stalwart helpers at our SpruceHaven banding operation, Heather, Daina and Debbie, indicated an interest in joining me for a day's birding. Today worked for everyone so we embarked on a quest for waterfowl - and any other species we could find.
The sheer number of ducks, geese and swans was not great, but there was a pleasing variety of species, allowing for many inter specific comparisons, identification of males and females and the opportunity to observe feeding strategies.
Heather tried her best to gain entry into the world of the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator), but she was treated with nothing but disdain.
Greater Scaup (Aytha marila) was seen in great numbers, generally far off, but a few individuals were obliging enough to come in close, prompting a discussion of the ways to identify Greater Scaup from the very similar Lesser Scaup (Aytha affinis).
There were many Red-breasted Mergansers (Mergus serrator) on the water, all females.
Both Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) and White-winged Scoter (Malanitta deglandi) have begun to assume their annual residency on Lake Ontario. A few White-winged Scoters came in close enough for a photograph.
Just a few weeks ago I was looking at Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) in Slovenia and Croatia and was given to pondering the difference a nine-hour flight can make as I gazed at American Wigeon (Anas americana) in Ontario!
Surely one of the most under-appreciated ducks of all is Gadwall (Anas strepera) but I am always struck by its subtle, understated beauty, and more than once I have mused about the beautiful quilt that Miriam could fashion by combining all those shades of brown and beige. Perhaps she might even add a jaunty accent of black - just like the duck.
A walk along the woodland trail was very pleasant but did not turn up anything of note.
All species at LaSalle Park and Marina: Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Horned Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American Coot, Bonaparte’s Gull, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal.
Our final destination of the day was Paletta Park, which was quiet, but we did see our only Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) of the day.
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) was also present, a familiar bird that often merits barely a passing glance, but it is indeed a creature of great beauty.
All species at Paletta Park: Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco.
It was a very pleasant day indeed and it was a delight to spend time in the company of Heather, Daina and Debbie. I hope we can do it again.
Hello David, what a wonderful collection of waterfowl and so nice you took the three ladies along to show all this beauty and to learn more about the different species.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
Hello, your post has me wanting to get out and find some waterfowl. I love the Hooded Mergansers, they are beautiful. The Wigeons are a favorite too. I like the shot of the swans. Happy birding, enjoy your day!
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ReplyDeleteNice that they were hunting birds ;-))
You had beautiful types for the lens David, beautiful to see.
Greetings Tinie
Hello David and thank you for sharing such wonderful shots and informations about waterfowls, they truly amazed me !
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a lovely week so far,
I'm sending hugs across the many miles
XOXO Daniela
Beautiful images of gorgeous waterfowl and birds. The three ladies were very lucky to have such a knowledgeable teacher.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Hi David, what a dream you have for us. All those waterfowl, fabulous.
ReplyDeleteGreat set of photos. I love that Hooded Mergansers, have never even heard of them before. keep well Diane
ReplyDeleteIt was very gallant of you to offer to take those young ladies birding David. I'm sure that if I were to do the same over here Sue would have no problem with it.
ReplyDeleteThose Hooded Merganser are such stunning birds. And as you say, the Gadwall is a very understated but equally beautiful duck.
Enjoy your week. And be good!
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly gave your three ladies a marvelous trip with a range of waterfowl. Your Hooded Marganser is a real beauty but the Wood Duck takes some beating. Amazed at the difference with your American Wigeon with the birds we have at Rutland Water, I will still keep an eye on them and wait for he feathers to come, our birds are still very dull in comparison.
All the best to you both, John
Hooded Merganser is high on my wishlist of American vagrants..........
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and always would be good to have someone to go with.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a good day out - always good to pass on some ID skills.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
What a rewarding day that was for all concerned, David! Franc will have to watch out for you making over his position of Chief Photographer redundant - ;-} .I particularly like your second Hooded Merganser image - a bird I'd love to see. I too am a Gadwall fan - such handsome birds.
ReplyDeleteWith love to you both - - - Richard
Buena sesión de birdwatching y con buena compañia, las fotos son fantásticas. David, un abrazo desde España.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteWonderful series of photos, thanks for sharing and information about waterfowl.
The three ladies were very lucky with such a knowledgeable teacher.
Best regards, Irma
Oh what beautiful images of the waterfowl and birds.
ReplyDeleteWhat a most rewarding day it must have been for you and the ladies ... great photographs you've shared here.
All the best Jan
Amazing duck ! I like all. And see them evrey day it's a good like.
ReplyDeleteBye David and have a good week end.