Duck Waddle

My first species for the BIGBY was a Common Raven watched from the kitchen window as I made breakfast. Environment Canada was forecasting a high of -3°C, though it was still a frosty -15°C when I headed out mid-morning to Beaverdam Flats Park. It is a ten minute walk from my house to the park and I was hoping to spot some of the various waterfowl species that winter along this stretch of the Bow River. Warm effluent from the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant keeps this section of river open throughout the winter, attracting thousands of waterfowl.

Fog along the river resulted in marginal viewing conditions but I still managed to locate seven species of waterfowl, including one Gadwall, during my walk. Raptors attracted by the numerous waterfowl included an adult Harlan's Hawk near the rail bridge over the river and two adult Bald Eagles at the south end of the park. I ended up with 18 species for the day, a calling Blue Jay in my neighbourhood as I headed home being the last addition to the list.