Solitary Sandpiper and a Puzzler

[Brian Bailey]

I was kayaking in the Humber Marshes on Friday afternoon.  A couple of Solitary Sandpipers were almost directly in path out of a marsh so I just drifted toward them with my camera ready until they decided I was too close.


Later I found a couple of ducks that really had me scratching by head.  I knew they weren't Mallards, but couldn't quite place them:

After I got home, I checked my Sibleys ... female Northern Pintails.

Also, the eBird reviewers apparently have trouble believing it, but the Humber Marshes is a great place for Great Egrets.  My conservative estimate was a total of 12 birds.  The most I could see at any one time was 9, and the most I could get in a single camera frame was 5:


BB

[Rob'in'To]

Nice photos Brian!  And "WoW!" To all the Egrets.  Where are the Humber Marshes (if you don't mind sharing)?

[Brian Bailey]

The marshes are along the Humber River between Queensway and Bloor.  Unless you happen to know someone living along Riverside Drive or Riverside Crescent (off South Kingsway), the only way to access them is by boat.  This year, with the low water levels, access is limited and difficult.

There are several places to launch a boat, but my preferred spot is off South Kingsway, just north of the Queensway.  There's a small lot just south of the gas station - very easy to miss.

BB