Once again, ebird.org directed me to a fine marsh about a 15 minute drive from Gatineau.
Hooded Mergansers are small (18 inches) and long-bodied ducks. They nest in tree cavities. I was fortunate in finding a family.
Other birds:
Some botany:
NATURE QUOTE
“Il ne sert à rien à l’homme de gagner la lune s’il vient à perdre la terre.” François Mauriac
(roughly – It is worth nothing to Man if the moon is won but the earth is lost)
Miles Hearn
You seem to be having lots of fun visiting all these marshes near Gatineau, Miles. Thank you for the beautiful pictures! Sadly this very wise quote from François Mauriac still applies today, with even more urgency.