My friend, Nigel (@nigelbanks57) suggested a walk at Colonel Sam Smith park with one little change. We were both going to use his Fuji cameras rather than me using my Nikon. So off we went with our Fujis in hand to find something to shoot on this sunny day in the park. Heading to a small hidden beach we decided to take a short lunch break.
Grackle
There were a lot of birds busy doing their day-to-day things but this grackle decided it might be worthwhile to come in for a closer look. Or possibly looking for some crumbs from our sandwiches.
Red-Winged Black Bird
Not to be outdone the red-winged blackbird came by for a visit as well.
Mama and Ducklings
Moving on from the beach we headed down to a a small pond where we spotted this mom with ducklings.
Green Heron
On the other side of the pond we spotted a Green Heron. What a find!
It’s always challenging to switch cameras but I didn’t do too badly. ?
I’m back at the Humber River Recreational Trail today and I’m hoping to find something a little more interesting than I did last week.
Mallard
I was greeted again by the mallard as I came onto the trail. Maybe I should give him a name so I can greet him next time?
Canada Goose
Canada Goose was not to be outdone, so he ambled up to say “hi” as well.
Cooper’s Hawk
I had a surprise visitor when I headed up the trail on the Humber campus grounds. This gorgeous Cooper’s Hawk was a little too far away for a great photo but I was more than happy to get some shots before he flew away.
I went out for a walk along the Humber River Recreational Trail today. As I started on the trail I was greeted by this beautiful mallard.
Mallard
This is the extent of the colour I found along the trail other than brown. Loads and loads of brown. As far as the eye can see. That is the problem with the in-between seasons. Just a sea of brown. Did I mention everything was brown? LOL
Mallards
As I finished up my walk, the mallard and his lady came out to bid me farewell. (She blends in with that sea of brown. Hahaha)
Today I, with my friend Nigel, head out to Humber Bay park in search of…you guessed it…ducks. Beause what else are you going to find in the middle of February when there is no snow?
Mallard
Going later in the day (which isn’t that late this time of year) gave us this beautiful golden light that reflected off our subjects. There were lots of mallards, but then again, when aren’t there lots of mallards? As we explored the park we came across something unusual none of the mallard groups – a white mallard.
White Duck
It’s not an albino. Its eyes, beak and feet are the same as the other mallards. Plus those other mallards seemed to have no issue with this weirdly coloured duck in their midst. So what’s up with its white feathers? Is it a spirit mallard, like the spirit bears from BC? I’m so curious to find out more.
I found out that it isn’t that uncommon for a mallard to be white due to Leucism. Leucism is the partial loss of pigmentation that can result in white, patchy or pale pigments. We see this in nature more than we realize – a white tiger, a white snake and, of course, the well known spirit bears from the west coast.
So, essentially our white duck is a mallard in all respects except its white colouring.
Swan
There was one other common bird hanging around – the swan. You have to watch out for swans. They can be one mean bird if they don’t like you and yet there they are paddling away, looking all graceful and stuff. I see you swan, being all handsome and unassuming, trying to pretend you’re not coming up with some evil plan to take over the world. lol
As always it was a great evening out exploring the park and getting some unexpected photos and some fun close-ups.
After spending a couple hours taking photos of Santa and loads of children at work, I decided to stop by Humber Bay to get photos of the local water birds. It was beautiful weather – the sun was out and the temps were on the warmer side for early December.
Mallard taking a break
The ducks were out in force. I’m not sure if that was the weather or if they always congregate here. It is a secluded spot and great shelter if the weather does turn. I just never suspected there to be so many of them.
Bufflehead – male
There were so many types of ducks here. Its the most I’ve seen here at one time. There were Buffleheads, Gadwells, Hooded Mergansers and, of course, Mallards along with a few others.
Gadwell
The male mergansers were putting on quite the show. I’m not sure if they were trying to impress the ladies or just fighting between themselves. Whatever they were doing the ladies were unimpressed.
Merganser couple
By the end of the day I had way too many photos of the ducks and it was time to get these photographs into the computer to see what I had captured.
