Ring-necked Duck at Downsview Park

[Rotarran]

Looking at it now. Young male.

[Rotarran]

Still here today. Appears to be a beautiful adult male. Joined today by a male Long-tailed Duck. Will post pics later. Rain on and off, mostly off...not too bad.

[Rotarran]

Here's a pic of the two handsome fellas:

[Reuven_M]

Wow that's a really bizarre place to see a Long-tailed Duck!

[Rotarran]

Well it is the first record of a Long-tailed Duck at Downsview Pond.  I expected one sooner or later...this pond does tend to attract the odd diving duck especially now during migration.  Just recently Jonathan saw a Goldeneye (another unusual visitor) and Dinu saw Hooded Mergansers.  Last year we had 2 Buffleheads that stayed for a good amount of time (a few days at least).  We also get some smaller dabbling ducks such as Green and Blue winged Teals as well as Northern Shovelers.  The pond is definitely the place to watch in the next little while.

[Reuven_M]

Long-tailed Ducks are always quite unusual away from the Great Lakes though - especially on a relatively small pond. I lived in Guelph for four years, extensively birding the area, and saw a total of 12 individuals in that time, all but a couple on the big reservoirs and quarry ponds.

[Rotarran]

Today's Downsview Duck of the Day is the Bufflehead. Two males diving actively much of the day.

[Rotarran]

Saw 8 Buffleheads today including 6 males and 2 females and 5 Hooded Mergansers including 3 males and 2 females.  Also saw a Pied-billed Grebe.  The pond continues to be interesting.

[Rotarran]

Here's a pic of a male Hooded Merganser and the Pied-billed Grebe politely swimming past each other.

[Rotarran]

True to the original title of the thread, the Ring-necked Duck species is back represented by one male. Also a couple of DC Cormorants

[Rotarran]

Ruddy Duck in pond right now. Also Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers and one Pied-billed Grebe