75 years ago, the Gadwall was very rare in Ontario as it is essentially a prairie duck.

These days, they can be seen in many Toronto waterfront locations during the colder months.

The origin of the name is not known though it has been in use since 1666.

During the morning walk today it was overcast and a chilly wind was blowing near the lake.

Morning group:

By the afternoon, the wind had calmed but steady rain accompanied us for much of the walk.

Afternoon group:

Park views:

Other birds:

Species list: red-necked grebe, great blue heron, double-crested cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, mallard, gadwall, bufflehead, wood duck, American wigeon, red-breasted merganser, hooded merganser, ring-billed gull, rock pigeon, mourning dove, downy woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, ruby-crowned kinglet, golden-crowned kinglet, American robin, Swainson’s thrush, European starling, house sparrow, red-winged blackbird, northern cardinal, American goldfinch, dark-eyed junco, field sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, white-throated sparrow, song sparrow.  (31 species)

NATURE POETRY

A birdnote sounding here and there,
A bloom, where leaves are brown and sober,
Warm noons, and nights with frosty air,
And loaded wagons say, October.     – Thomas Stephens Collier (1842–93) 

Miles Hearn