Common Goldeneyes winter on open lakes, rivers and bays in small flocks. During the breeding season they are far north of here.
I usually see them at a distance but, this morning at Marie Curtis Park, a few were close by in Etobicoke Creek diving for animal prey such as crustaceans, fish and mollusks.
It is obvious where the species names comes from.
Other birds:
This morning’s group:
Park scenes:
NATURE POETRY
All day the gusty north-wind bore
The loosening drift its breath before;
Low circling round its southern zone,
The sun through dazzling snow-mist shone. – John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–92)
Miles Hearn
I just love those winter ducks! And beautiful winter nature scenes, beautiful dawns, other birds–wonderful to see it here!
so glad the golden eye has a golden eye. Now do tell me Miles where the black is that I should be noticing on the American black duck – above the tail? top of the head?
Loving these close ups. It’s really helping me learn to ID them. Thank you as always for glorious photos which I look forward to every day.