Prince Edward Island is surrounded by ice this time of year so where do ducks find open water? My husband and I have pondered this question for the last two months. On our recent excursion to the north shore of the island, at Stanley Bridge, there was open water with a flock of ducks in attendance. It was great to see them after months without a duck sighting.
At the Bridge, a flock of Common Mergansers floated in New London Bay, which isn’t frozen near the bridge.
The birds had their heads tucked under their wings when they weren’t feeding.
The water looked like it was boiling near the flock.
Could this be smelts which people seek in winter too? Smelt shacks are on the ice throughout the province now.
The ducks may have found the best location for smelt fishing.
We were a long distance away but the ducks were aware of us nonetheless. As we walked the length of the marina, they moved further away.
They tested the limits of my camera.
The females with their gray bodies are distinguishable from the black and white bodied males. The back of the female’s head has a shaggy crest of feathers as well. It was impossible to see the true colour of their heads from this distance.
It felt good to be outside again, bird watching, one of my favourite hobbies.
36 comments:
I love learning about your island, Marie, and hope that one day I will be able to visit it. In the summer, of course. :-)
Didn't realise till looking at your photos that what we call a Goosander (mergus merganser) is known as a Common Merganser on your side of the pond. I would think they would fly a long way to find open water as we only have them here in the winter months.
Ah, the ice fishing shack. A Canadian staple!
oh i loved these marie...i can't wait to be outside again!!! we have the hooded merganser but i don't think i have ever seen this common one. really beautiful images, but it does look cold - like you can feel it in the images!!
Signs begin. Although there's still plenty of winter here, it's nice with a touch of sun and warmth here today.
If there's open water, they'll find it. We have some that stay over the winter.
Love the third picture, with the fellow standing on ice beneath the water.
So wonderful to see the ducks making the most out of winter! It must be tough on them too. Always enjoy your pictures and the knowledge about the birds that you share! Hugs to you today :)
I know ducks don't get cold but it sure looks cold!!
You must be happy to see them around, love bird watching just wish I had more time. Lovely post Diane
Your duck photos are always fabulous to see. They probably get quite a few smelts themselves and rival the people in the shacks. :)
Poor little things. I'm glad you located them and got some good pictures to share with us.
Good to see the ducks again Marie, I often wonder how birds fare in such harsh winter weather.. thankfully they do seem to know the best spots for survival, must be tough though.
You got out of the house!! Wonderful!
I love walking along lake Ontario here in the city. There are plenty of ducks to photograph. And a few white swans. I have not been down there for a while. It has been too cold, and too icy.
You managed to get some great pictures of the ducks. It's amazing that the poor little things can stand the water being so cold.
I had to smile about your post on ducks, Marie, after my post today about THE OREGON DUCK that my grandson will soon become. What synchronicity! :)
I guess it is all in following the ducks for the smelts! Andrea
I hope you do visit, Jan.
I don’t see them in the other seasons, John.
It sure is, Debra.
We have hooded ones too, Debbie, but I haven’t seen them.
It sure is, AC. It was a great day today as well. Back to -16 tomorrow from 4 today.
They sure do, William.
I like that one too, Joanne.
Thanks, Marilyn!
Seeing them in that cold water gives me chills, Jenn.
Thanks, Diane!
They are well fed, Bill. Thank you.
I know, Barbara. I feel for them too in that cold water.
They are well fed, PDP.
This winter has been strange weatherwise, Catarina. The bitter cold, then thaw cycle has made for a tough winter.
It was so good to get outside when it wasn’t -30, Danielle.
I know, Ginnie! 🙂
True, Andrea.
Beautiful photos and what a beautiful place to live! x
It is lovely here, Jane.
Post a Comment