BIRDQUEST2004

A female Tufted Duck has been seen mixed in with large rafts of scaup, goldeneye, scoter and ring-necked ducks, feeding in Shirley’s Bay.  Overcast skies and extreme distances again made getting a good photo impossible.  The image I did get clearly shows the tuft and color well. Coincidentally this is the same area that I saw my first Tufted Duck (a male) on April 30th, 2003.

There were also a few Horned Grebes, on American Widgeon, Bald Eagle and a G. Yellowlegs present.  Many sparrows were moving through the area.

The photos below show the bird thats being seen and the other is my photo of a Tufted Duck in my collection.  Left clicking on the image will enlarge the image.

Good birding.  Ciao for now.

I had missed a Western Grebe last year and when I heard about this bird I just had to run out and see it.  Unlike last year, after about 10 minutes scanning,  I was lucky enough to get it in my binoculars

Bird #228 on my Ottawa list, a great find.  Thanks for the call my friend.

Below I have the crappy photo I took today of the Western Grebe, in bad lighting and at great distance.  #2 is an image of a Western Grebe in lovely light and below that a close relative the Clark’s Grebe, for comparison.

Thanks for looking…Looks like next year I can resume my Birdquest, I can now get travel insurance…..Yee Haaa

Ciao for now…