Blue-winged Teal

The abundance of some birds, such as the Osprey, is considered to be a sign of the purity of a lake’s water. Around Kootenay Lake, Ospreys abound. 

I wonder if the lack of abundance of other species could also be considered to be a sign of water purity. If so, might such a species be the Blue-winged Teal? 

The Blue-winged Teal is the second most abundant duck in North America, behind the Mallard. Yet, while the Mallard is ubiquitous around Kootenay Lake, a sighting of the Blue-winged Teal is worth noting. It seems that this teal favours shallow, often brackish, vegetated wetlands with lots of decaying organic matter. No wonder, I don’t often see it on the deep pure waters of the Lake. Its relative absence seems to be a good indicator of purity.

A Blue-winged Teal couple stopped by briefly before looking for their preferred murky waters.