In this area, we see the Long-tailed Duck during the cold weather months and think of it as a lake duck.
In fact, they breed on tundra lakes and winter in loose flocks along sea coasts.
They will winter on deep lakes such as Lake ontario.
Long-tailed Ducks are found both in North America and in Europe.
Long-tails migrate chiefly at night.
They are very vocal and are often first noticed by their yodelling whistle.
Other birds:
The man-made Keating Channel is located where the Don River runs into Lake Ontario:
NATURE POETRY
Sun comes, moon comes,
Time slips away.
Sun sets, moon sets,
Love, fix a day. – Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–92)
Miles Hearn
Thanks for the photos of the brave birds swimming in the channel. It’s sad that they have to avoid plastic bags and other debris that humans have dumped in the water. If the area becomes more attractive for people to enjoy walking trails a clean up of the shoreline is necessary.
I read in the most recent National Geographic that the city of Chicago is building a massive sewage disposal system that will eliminate dumping directly into Lake Michigan.
They’re gorgeous, of course.
I came here just now to get a break from the events of the day, which I watched unfold on T.V. Thanks for a wonderful break, Miles!