Gadwall

Gliding across the gilded water Gadwall’s take a respite on a golden pond in their journey south as part of their Fall Migration. They traveled north in the early spring to breed in the fertile ponds and lakes. Now as winter approaches the warmer climes call to them and once again they fly southward to spend the colder months.

Greenwing Teal

A pair of Greenwing Teal are among the many species of duck that fly to our northern waters to breed. They land in the many lakes and ponds found across Atlantic Canada and make them their northern home.

Great Blue Heron

Largest of the migrating birds, the Great Blue Heron, wades through fresh and tidal waters as they fish for darting minnows.

The road to my home passes many small coves and late in the fall I often spot one or two Great Blues, who have not yet left and I worry for them, that perhaps they have delayed too long and will be caught by a winter storm.

Northern Pintail

Watching this elegant and graceful Northern Pintail pair as they glide across the still waters was a pleasure. I love their lines and coloration. This pair visited a pond near my home and gave me wonderful opportunities to photograph them.

The diminutive Grebe has a surprising fact as to it’s closest relative … the flamingo!

Redwing Blackbird

A walk around a pond yields so much to observe, photograph and enjoy. As a wildlife artist, I can’t get enough time there.

The happy chatter of a flock of Redwing Blackbirds in the fall as they flit from one bulrush to another is special to hear and their scarlet and ebony colors stand out beautifully among the golds and greens.

Northern Shovellers

As ducks prepare to fly south the ponds come to life with a myriad of species. An evening visit to a nearby pond found the American Widgeons and Northern Shovellers making a short pitstop on their southward journey.

American Widgeon

Wading birds of all shapes and sizes take refuge among the bulrushes and coves, in ponds on the marshes, forests and in our towns and cities. One just has to pause and look to find them.

Harlequin

Down the coast, a pair of Harlequin ride the waves while diving for fresh mussels.

Cormorant

Whether, they’re gliding across the water or drying their wings the cormorant catches your eye… then suddenly they dive to fish and disappear under the waters.

Blue Winged Teal

The tiny dabbling ducks, the blue winged teal, are among the flocks that pass through Atlantic Canada. They might be seen on any still water, whether it be a small lake to a roadside ditch, as long as there is water, they will happily feed on the tiny crustaceans found in calm body of water.

Mallard

The Mallard, with his iridescent head, would be considered a beautiful exotic duck if they were not so common.

Fall colors are so beautiful coupled with reflective water and graceful waterfowl and voila you have a possible painting!

Belted Kingfisher

What visit to the shoreline of a pond or lake isn’t made more special with the shrill call and daring dives of a belted kingfisher.

Wood Duck

I loved watching this pretty little wood duck hen scooting about on a pond near my home.

Common Eider

Diving up to 20 meters, the Common Eider is Canada’s largest duck. They feed on clams, mussels and all sorts of sea life, including crabs. Our waters off Nova Scotia are part of their wintering grounds where they spend all their time on the ocean. They only leave their northern habitats with the formation of pack ice. So, as global warming diminishes the ice, their behavior, along with many other migratory birds, is certain to change.