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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.kootenay-lake.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/bluewingedteal160601s.jpg\")
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The abundance\u00a0of some\u00a0birds, such as the Osprey, is considered to be a sign of the purity of a lake’s water. Around Kootenay Lake, Ospreys abound.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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?\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A Blue-winged Teal couple stopped by briefly before looking for their preferred murky waters.
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The abundance\u00a0of some\u00a0birds, such as the Osprey, is considered to be a sign of the purity of a lake’s water. Around Kootenay Lake, Ospreys abound.\u00a0 I wonder if the lack of abundance of other species could also be considered … Continue reading