Common Goldeneye ducks, Hamilton Harbour
Recently I was surprised to see these common goldeneye ducks enjoying the relative warmth of southern Ontario - as opposed to the cold of the Far North. Apparently males will stay as far north in winter as open water in protected bays permits.
Goldeneyes travel north to the boreal forests to breed. Females usually return to the area where they were hatched, sometimes returning to the same nesting site year after year. They make their nests in trees, anywhere from five to 60 feet above the ground. Imagine the baby duckings' surprise when they leave the nest for the first time! FLAP THOSE WINGS, BABY!
Goldeneyes are diving ducks, searching in winter for mollusks, crustaceans and fish. In summer they prefer aquatic insects.
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12 comments:
This shot turned out very nice with all its gradations of gray.
What a lovely shot! You did good. And it's nice and sharp! Bravo!
I also appreciated your commentary...I don't think we have golden-eyed anything down here...
Re your comment on the Stone Creek Reunion Center...I have no clue as to why it's called a "Reunion Center." It's like a big community center with various rooms including a library, a billiards room, kitchens, huge hall as an entertainment venue, offices, etc.
I love birds in flight and always struggle to capture a shot of them
this photo is so good
so clear
and the light is wonderful
Interesting photo and commentary, EG. I am not aware of these birds in Connecticut, but then again, I am not especially knowledgeable about birds.
Lovely. The commentary is pretty enlightening.
Thanks for the information of goldeneye (which I did not know) with a National geographic quality photo!!!
what a shot!
Another fabulous shot!
I really like this photo -- it's a marvelous capture. Thanks, too, for the information. I didn't realize ducks made nests that high in a tree.
I need to google these since I don't know a single thing about them...I am seeing a LOT of geese in the skies the past few days.
Interesting information and a wonderful shot. I find it hard to photograph groups in flight and you did a great job.
Nice post- great shot. Hopefully the young ducks will have some water below them to break their fall.
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