A Visiting Harlequin and other Ducks!

The highlight of the day was finding a first year male Harlequin Duck by the Sarnia Lighthouse.

This species breeds on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts and can be found on the Great Lakes in the winter. Deryl first found it in the morning at the cove by Canatara Park but by the afternoon, it had moved a bit west. The Harlequin Duck is a small, relatively uncommon sea duck, roughly half the size of a Mallard. In the winter, they locate their food by diving in shallow waters over wave-pounded rocks and ledges to find and pry prey from crevices.

https://www.hww.ca/wildlife/birds/harlequin-duck/

He spent some time with a Long-tailed Duck. They often synchronized their dives. There was a small patch of open water where they constantly dove for food. The ice was keeping them close to shore.

Ice circles formed in the current.

A very frosty seat looking out towards Lake Huron. January 8th was the first day that Lake ice was visible as it floated down from the north. Ice Cutters are now busy in the river, creating "open" passage for freighters still in transit.

Suncor Trail

Despite the frigid conditions at Lake Huron, the water in the channel at the Suncor Trail was still partially open on January 9th and the ducks were taking advantage of the calm waters. A male Wood Duck, displayed its beautiful colours at the water's edge.

Swimming amongst the Mallards was a Green-winged Teal (centre of both photos). They are the smallest dabbling duck in North America weighing between 140-500 grams! Most of the population has flown further south, so it was a surprise find!

https://www.ducks.ca/species/green-winged-teal/

A close relative of the Mallard, the Black Duck is better adapted to wooded country. With the clearing of forest, it has steadily lost ground to spreading populations of Mallards. They can often be found swimming with Mallards.

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-black-duck