UNUSUAL WINTER BIRD SIGHTINGS

Pair of Surf Scoters

Male Harlequin Duck (in full breeding plumage)

At this time of the year, intrepid birders who are willing to brave the cold, snow and ice can be rewarded with views of unusual visitors to the bays of Sam Smith Park.  

Birds like the Harlequin Duck and the Surf Scoter need to rest up on their migration route from their winter grounds (marine coastal) to breeding grounds in the far north (boreal forest and tundra).  The Harlequin Duck is listed as “endangered” in Canada.

These birds were photographed by Brian Bailey yesterday close to the shore in the first and second bays (13^th street entrance).