I have never seen so many Canada Geese in one area. Partly frozen Oakville Harbour was covered in a blanket of Geese on this cold morning.
They appear to be “cuddling” in order to stay warm.
A good variety of other waterfowl and gulls were nearby:
Park scenes:
I learned something today. (Actually I learn something every day!).
I photographed this Goldeneye:
It is a little difficult to see, but the bird definitely had purple gloss on the head. The Peterson Field Guide states: Barrow’s Goldeneye: head glossed with purple not green (as in Common Goldeneye).
It must be the much rarer (from the west) Barrow’s Goldeneye. However, after looking at many guides, I found that only Peterson mentions this as a defining characteristic. In every other way, this Goldeneye has the field marks of a Common Goldeneye. It must be a Common Goldeneye. It is always wise to look at more than one source.
MAILBAG
I had fox activity yesterday! Beautiful animal. Not shy! Came right up to back windows and then checked out the bird feeding station, climbed the fence and moved on.
NATURE POETRY
Serene will be our days and bright,
And happy will our nature be,
When love is an unerring light,
And joy its own security. – William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
Miles Hearn
Wow, you’re able to capture more of the ducks than I can! Nice photos. I guess you didn’t spot the snow bunting. It was alone when Jan and I saw it.
Agree I’ve never seen so many Canada geese. Sure was noisy!
One of my favourite spots to wander.
That’s quite an array! It’s funny, I used to think that water birds were fully “equipped” to cope with the cold because of their down! And yet, they sometimes huddle together because of the cold? So they are capable of feeling cold? I knew they could freeze, so I should have guessed they can also feel cold. It’s strange, but I never thought of this before. I feel like an idiot. Thanks, Miles–for my learning something, I mean!
Unbelievable numbers !