Green-winged Teal at Humber Bay: December 2021

The Green-winged Teal is the smallest duck in Norther America weighing just a bit less than a Bufflehead. They are about half the size of a Mallard.

Green-winged Teal and Mallards
Green-winged Teal and Mallard (male)

I was able to get close to a male this morning at Humber bay.

Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal

Most winter far south of here but a few stay near the Great lakes. In warm weather they are found on shallow ponds, marshes and flooded fields. Green-winged Teals forage mainly by dabbling at the surface of the water or walking on mudflats.

Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal

Other birds:

Greater Scaup
Double-crested Cormorants
House Sparrow (female)
House Sparrow (male)
House Sparrow (female)
House Sparrow (female)
Hooded Mergansers
Long-tailed Duck (female)
Long-tailed Duck (male)
Mallard (male)

MAILBOX

NATURE THOUGHT

In seed-time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.  – William Blake (1757–1827) 

Miles Hearn

4 thoughts on “Green-winged Teal at Humber Bay: December 2021

  1. Lisa Volkov

    What terribly tragic news, Miles! I’m not sure whether or not I ever actually met her in person on any of the walks (I wouldn’t be surprised if I have, but my knowledge of names is abysmal), but I remember her, by name, as the person who fell at the Rouge walk, which I heard about. It’s like losing a member of the walking family (actually, that’s exactly what it is). If you want to relay my condolences, or if you have a way of enabling me to do that, I will be most happy to do it.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Volkov

    Would you be willing to post some pictures of her from group walks? I suspect you already plan to do just that. It would be a wonderful tribute to her memory, and I am sure many of us would like to see them.

    Reply
  3. LOUISE LORE

    Hi Miles
    I’m so sorry to hear of Inge’s passing. She was a delightful person who had lead an adventurous and rich life. Our walk were always enlivened by her spirited presence.
    Louise Lorr

    Reply
  4. Rain Geiger

    Miles, I am devastated to hear this sad news. Marilyn and I became friends with Inge and we often ate lunch together after our birdwalks but we lost track of each other once we were no longer able physically to do the walks.

    Through the last several years, I have been wanting to invite you, Inge and Ian to join us for lunch here in Swan Lake (Markham) and then go for a walk around the lake and park. It is a small park but very rich in wildlife and vegetation. Maybe post COVID in memory of Inge. What a loss! I just loved her.

    Reply

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