Harlequin Duck

Dec 6, 2012

A Harlequin Duck had been reported at Bate Island, so I pulled in after driving Barbara to work.  I knew it was my lucky day when I saw some birders with scopes.  As I approached, I recognized Chris and Bob, Bruce, Connie and Sami.

The subject bird was far on the Quebec side, actually quite close to the bridge.  I contemplated going to the other side, but did not have the right footwear.  Besides, Connie said that Bruce had just returned from there.  So we contented ourselves with distant views as it dove frequently in the company of Common Goldeneyes.  The experts said that it was a young male, as it did have more white on the face than a typical female.

It was way too far for photos, but some Common Goldeneyes were a bit closer.  Suzanne joined the group and it was a lifer for her.

 

On the way home, I stopped at the Deschenes Rapids lookout, but the Northern Pintail had moved on, leaving a bunch of Mallards and a single American Black Duck.