The weather wasn’t particularly fabulous last weekend, but I was intent on getting outside regardless. Decided to head out to Stanley Park, with the main goal to check out the Heron colony by the Tennis courts. We were rewarded with the sights and sounds of full nests, but not much really picture worthy as they’re way up in the trees with so many branches. Not to mention some of the ideal viewing spots were pretty dangerous … I mean I didn’t really want to be cleaning heron droppings off my camera (or me for that matter)!
So we took a stroll around Lost Lagoon to admire all the ducklings and goslings. As we approached the Nature House I spotted the Blue-winged Teals. Not just a first this year, but a life first for me! From what I read they are pretty common in most of North America. They do have a long migration, as some birds actually winter in South America, so they are one of the first ducks to start their migrations in the fall. In the late summer the males loose their distinct black heads and white patch, as they enter into their eclipse plumage.
BCSONGBIRD 