In my experience it is rarely possible to get close to this large duck.

They are more likely in our area to been seen on rivers rather than in Lake Ontario.

In the breeding season, Common Merganser females “kidnap” youngsters from less aggressive mothers so that broods of 30 or more are accumulated.

Other birds:

Humber River area scenes:

Today’s group:

MAILBOX

Hi Miles,
We haven’t had red fox sightings in this neighbourhood in more than a decade (coyotes are a different story). About a month ago we saw one passing through the front garden. Then the real thrill came Monday afternoon when I glanced out the window and saw one in the backyard. I grabbed my camera and started shooting through the window. I don’t know how it got into the fenced-in yard, but it hung around for about 10 minutes before looking for a place to jump the chain-link fence and moving on to the neighbour’s yard.

NATURE POETRY

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.          – Lord Byron (1788–1824)

Miles Hearn