Canvasbacks at LaSalle Marina, Dec. 28

[Leslie Kinrys]

Big Frank, my hubby and I spent the day visiting birding spots from Toronto to Burlington. We stopped in at a few places, but the best birding was at LaSalle Marina, in Burlington. The highlight was a raft of 100-200 Canvasbacks. None of us had ever seen more than 3 or 4 together! Of course, a large number of Trumpeter Swans were hanging around. Other birds included: Redheads, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Lesser and Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Herring Gull, Black Duck, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Canada Geese and Mallards. Near the feeders, we saw a Song Sparrow.

[Axeman]

How do you tell the diff btn black ducks and mallards?

[Leslie Kinrys]

Black Ducks have darker bodies. The bills are a dull yellow. Female Mallards have orange bills, with dark smudges on them. Hope this helps.