Yes, An Arctic Duck

Niagara River Duck Drive for Alison Bell by Earl Plato

Winter ducks and birds anyone? Here in late January, 2008
Elaine and I did our annual Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake - Niagara River Duck Drive. With bird glasses, scope and camera we started out near Old Fort Erie. It was a cloudy day and mid-morning. The Niagara river was glossy and peaceful. Canada geese and mallards plentiful near Frenchman’s Creek. We drove on the Niagara Parkway to Black Creek. There on its north side was a great multitude of ducks, Canada geese and swans all mingled together. Pull into the parking spot and observe. Canvas backs, Common mergansers, Buffleheads, Scaups and did I see a Harlequin duck> Elaine said “No!” On through Niagara Falls and the many gulls on the rocky islands above the Falls, Ring billed gulls and some black backed gulls. No stopping this time. Our destination was Niagara-on-the Lake and the Long Tail ducks once called Old Squaws. Still following the Niagara Parkway we entered the historic town. As we approached the parking place at the mouth of the Niagara across from Fort Niagara we lowered our windows. We wanted to hear the piercing mating calls of this our most northern Arctic duck. I set up my scope and zeroed in on the nearest ducks. The Old squaw male has a very long tail. Its body is boldly patterned in black and white this time of year We had seen as many 200 of these beautiful ducks here in 2006. It is an “ Arctic duck” fix I look forward to each year. Unforgettable. Besides the fudge shop is in town. . Quite a day, eh. Remember we must drive south along the Parkway back to Fort Erie. What would we see now?
Why not travel the Niagara Parkway this winter and look and listen for our waterfowl.