Friendly Pintail

[Trillian Flummox]

While visiting Humber Bay East today, I stopped for a rest on a rock by the shoreline just above the memorial. I was quickly joined by a group of eager Mallards who clambered up onto the rocks in front of me hoping for an easy meal. I was thrilled and shocked to see the Northern Pintail following behind the Mallards. He didn't climb out of the water but happily paddled back and forth right in front of me nibbling at the algae covered rocks. My good fortune lasted 15 minutes before the Mallards gave up on me and carried on their way, with the Pintail in tow. Clearly this Pintail is spending way too much time with the Mallards! I hope no one has been feeding it bread crusts! I wonder if it's becoming a permanent resident?
I'm including a photo taken with just my little pocket camera to show how close he was (you can even see his foot!).

[Bluffs Birder]

Wow, I too found this gorgeous duck to be very friendly.  At one point he swam right up close to me only a couple of feet away!  He sure didn't mind having his picture taken.

Also seen today at Humber Bay Park was a male Ring-necked Duck which was swimming with Ruddy Ducks straight out from the little white bridge.  At first I thought it was a Lesser Scaup because of his puffed-up head feathers but when he turned the white markings on his bill were clearly visible.  Eventually he met up with a few Greater Scaup for nice side-by-side comparisons.

Walter

[Trillian Flummox]

I've never seen a Ring-necked Duck! But of course, I've only been at this for about 5 years - still a rookie compared to most of the good folk here. I'd love to get out there today if I have a chance. Thanks Walter!

[feathered]

I suspect this is the same Pintail I saw a couple of winters ago in HBP... he stayed all winter with the mallards and was quite tame. He was my first one!

[Bluffs Birder]

Hey Trillian,

Both of these ducks, the Ring-necked and the Pintail, are usually only seen in small numbers in and around the GTA each winter.

This too is the start of my 5th year of birding.

Happy Birding!
Walter

[mr.sharp-photo]

man, that pintail is friendly.....

by the way, hope that wasn't any of you on the pond further south, hand feeding the ducks bread.

[Trillian Flummox]

No sign of the Ring-neck, but it looks like that Pintail may be more closely connected to those mallards than I realized. Today he was swimming with a mallard hybrid that had a suspiciously white breast!