Sunday 9 April 2017

Common Goldeneye on the Big Rideau

Not to bore you, but the flooding has been amazing. Besides, hubby wants to see where we were the other day. He was driving! We had a drought last year. This moisture, while extreme, is welcomed. It was dangerous boating, not to mention our well system.



 There is still ice on the lake, which will melt soon. The Goldeneyes are loving it, of course.


These are archival photos, as I couldn't get anywhere near them! The wind was wicked. These ducks like the cold water. These are all males, as well. Lots of birds species: the males migrate farther north first. I love the way they bob and head below the water.
They nest in cavities. The chicks jumping from the nest within a day of birth.

These are really old photos from our time in Bala. We lived there 2006 - 2010. I miss my lake, my canoe, but not the tourists! I miss the changing water, which was a new picture every day. Each day there would be new colours, clouds, and critters, especially during migration season.

These are Mergansers. 
Some migrate to northern Ontario. They nest in cavities, like my wood ducks. I think this female (right) is a Common Merganser, whereas the ones on the left are Hooded Mergansers. They are an interesting breed.

8 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the Goldeneyes are pretty. Not sure if I have seen them!

Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and the new week ahead!

Christine said...

Glad to know you appreciate the flooding in a sense. I've seen a young merganser, so that's what they look like fully grown.

Olga said...

Well, fine weather for ducks, as they used to say. We certainly have been having weather extremes it seems.

Debbie said...

i LOVE the hooded mergansers - especially when they have their tops up!!

looks like soon you will need a ark!!!

William Kendall said...

I think the river's crested, which is just as well. Windsor Park in the city got hit by floodwaters, but it's no big deal when you're flooded out of a tennis court.

Nancy J said...

Your last photo, what a look of amazement or curiosity. Guess that water that is soaking into the ground will be a welcome thought for a summer that isn't so dry. Keep warm, still looks a bit cool there.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a difference a year makes! Lovely ducks.

Red said...

I'm amazed at all the water accumulation you have.