I am always impressed with the number and variety of species of waterfowl to be found at the Nelson’s waterfront. Why are the numbers and diversity so much greater there than elsewhere along the West Arm of the Lake?
Of late the big population at Nelson’s Duck Bay is Greater Scaups. Certainly there are other species around—Buffleheads, Canada Geese, Ring-necked Ducks, Mallards—but, numbers are dominated by scaups.
The scaup is a diving duck, indeed it gets its name from the Scots name for a bed of mussels, a favourite feeding ground for it there.
The Kootenay Lake website offers other pictures and a discussion of diving ducks.
Often one sees waterfowl just hanging out: floating along, each with its bill tucked under a wing. But, watching them today was great fun for they were on the move, if only from one part to the bay to another.
A male (lower right) and two female Greater Scaups. The female shows more brown and has white on its face.
Two female scaups about to land on the lake and one male (right) already down.
A female scaup landing on water.
A male scaup planes across the water surface.
great shots alistair. hope the scaups are around for the great backyard bird count on friday.
cheers
Beautiful photos – love the water action too.