To a Long-tailed Duck, the Toronto region is like Miami Beach. They have spent the breeding season in tundra ponds in the very far north. By the middle of November, thousands have arrived here and we will see (and hear) them until April. The males are easily identified with their graceful long tails:

The females are highly variable though usually showing a white face with a dark cheek spot.

This morning’s walk at Ashbridge’s Bay was done in very dim light with occasional rain which lends a pastel colouration to many of the photos.

Other birds:

As often happens at Ashbridge’s we were approached by some hungry chickadees and a red-breasted nuthatch.

Today’s group:

Park scenes:

Some botany:

From my backyard:

Anyone with an active birdfeeder can expect regular visits from a Cooper’s Hawk. Much of the diet of these birds is other birds. These photos were taken this morning:

I have been wondering what has been causing white paint-like staining on my deck.

Question answered.

NATURE POETRY

Let’s go our old way
by the stream, and kick the leaves
as we always did, to make
the rhythm of breaking waves.
This day draws no breath –
shows no colour anywhere
except for the leaves –in their death
brilliant as never before.                               – Frances Bellerby (1899–1975)

Miles Hearn