I have seen rafts of over 1500 Great Scaup here at Col Sam Smith Park but on this day I was happy to find two close-up.
The origin of the name scaup may stem from the bird’s preference for feeding on “scalp”—the Scottish word for clams, oysters, and mussels.
Someone had thrown a large quantity of food onto the beach:
Other birds:
As there often is in winter here, a Snowy Owl was out in the docks:
Park views:
Some botany:
NATURE POETRY
Little January
Tapped at my door today.
And said, “Put on your winter wraps,
And come outdoors to play.” – Winifred M. Gales (1761–1839)
Miles Hearn