Duck Waddle 4

Can ducks run? Because today was more of a sprint than a waddle. I made my second attempt to locate the Long-tailed Duck wintering along the Bow River in Fish Creek PP. Several birders had reported seeing the bird this past week near the boat launch just north of Highway 22X. With my gear loaded on the bike I headed out Saturday morning south along the pathway towards Fish Creek PP. Conditions were much more conducive to biking than two weeks ago - temperature just below the freezing point and no wind. Chinook winds had resulted in several icy sections along the path, but they were no match for my studded tires and I arrived shortly before ten at Hull's Wood.

Arriving at the boat launch, I quickly spotted what appeared to be the duck, accompanied by a few goldeneye, just in front of me. I scrambled to get my binoculars out of the pannier while my glasses started fogging up. Finally getting my binoculars on the bird, I was rewarded with a hazy view of the female Long-tailed Duck. Relaxing, I set up my scope and was able to get close looks as she fed along the rip-rap just south of the boat launch. I had initially planned on spending the morning walking along the river looking for the duck and other waterfowl, but, with it being only a little after ten, I decided to return home and attend to some needed chores. I swung by Sikome Lake to get a quick look at the pair of Great Horned Owls roosting in their traditional spot in a spruce next to the change rooms before starting the ride back.