This morning, at Ashbridge’s Bay, we had the strongest winds of any walk this autumn. Wind gusts sometimes exceeded 60 km/h.

Pond ducks like mallards, gadwall and American black ducks stay well away from the big waves that these winds create.

We saw three duck species, however, which appear to be having a great time riding the waves.

Buffleheads:

Long-tailed Ducks:

Red-breasted Mergansers:

Other birds:

Park views:

Today’s group:

NATURE POETRY

‘Twas one of those charmed days
When the genius of God doth flow,
The wind may alter twenty ways,
A tempest cannot blow;

It may blow north, it still is warm;
Or south, it still is clear;
Or east, it smells like a clover farm;
Or west, no thunder fear. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Miles Hearn