Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Oxyura jamaicensis

Yesterday, 20 July 2018, I no choice but to get out for a while. My place is unbearable on so many summer days and, at the moment, I dare not open any windows in case my house mouse (mice?) finds another tiny space to get in. All this week, I have been getting to sleep around 4:00 or 4:30 am, because of hearing the moving, "cracking" sounds inside my bedroom walls. The one night, from 2:00 am till around 3:30 am, I just sat on my bed, watching, as it sounded like there was something actually in my room. Sure enough, after half an hour, the mouse appeared around the hinged edge of my open bedroom door and darted out across the landing, heading for my computer room. Lack of sleep, which is the absolute last thing I need, is really getting to me and is stopping me from getting out on any day drives. The stress of having this most unwelcome rodent(s) in my house is so draining. So, yesterday, mid-afternoon, I was desperate to get away from it all and do just a short drive SE of the city. I think this was only the second time I had driven down there this year - it only takes maybe half an hour. There is so much endless construction going on in the south part of the city (well, in all parts of the city) and I discovered yesterday that roads had been changed. Not a good feeling! Huge overpasses are being built in every direction, mainly as part of the Ring Road around the city. When I reached the area I wanted to explore, I pulled over to check for any birds. Practically nothing, until I noticed a whitish bird perched on a very distant fence post. "Gull" was what first came to mind, but when I zoomed in on my camera, I was delighted to find that it was a Black-crowned Night-heron. Later on, I was feeling even more grateful to have seen this bird, as there was practically nothing else to be seen. It had turned out to be a very hot, hazy day, with very strong winds. At the blind, there was one Ruddy Duck swimming by and immediately disappearing. One American Coot was in the reeds with a baby. Several distant Yellow-headed Blackbirds, a Tern, a distant Western Grebe being followed by a growing youngster (who could barely keep up with her thanks to the very choppy, wind-blown water), and a sprinkling of shorebirds were the only other things I saw. "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id The glorious colour of Canola fields was what I was really hoping for on this trip. A photogenic old barn, sitting in a field of gold, was also what I was hoping to find. I did manage to find a very distant old shed and so was able to get a shot or two. Though the smell of Canola really is not pleasant, I find that just driving through a yellow landscape is wonderful, even on a very windy day. Then it was time to return home. Back to reality, back to heat and stuffy air - and the dreaded house mouse!

This photo was taken in the evening of 27 May 2017, when a group of us (13?) got together at Frank Lake for a celebration of spring. Great company and great picnic food. Even a few birds to photograph, including this male Ruddy Duck, who was busy trying to impress a nearby female Ruddy Duck. We had sunshine, too, until it was time to go home, when the heavens opened and down came the rain, accompanied by streaks of lightning. Thanks, Brenda, for organizing this event that went so smoothly and was most enjoyable! "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id "Frank Lake, found 50 km southeast of Calgary near High River, Alberta, is a productive wetland important to hundreds of bird species. Once completely dry, this wetland has been saved from drainage and drought through a progressive partnership between industry, government and Ducks Unlimited. It is now listed as one of 597 Important Bird Areas in Canada." www.ducks.ca/places/alberta/frank-lake/

I think this is the first photo of a female Ruddy Duck that I've ever posted on Flickr, for some reason. Such subdued colouring compared to the males. Her behaviour is far less flamboyant, too. This photo was taken in the evening of 27 May 2017, when a group of us (13?) got together at Frank Lake for a celebration of spring. Great company and great picnic food. Even a few birds to photograph, including this female Ruddy Duck. We had sunshine, too, until it was time to go home, when the heavens opened and down came the rain, accompanied by streaks of lightning. Thanks, Brenda, for organizing this event that went so smoothly and was most enjoyable! "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id "Frank Lake, found 50 km southeast of Calgary near High River, Alberta, is a productive wetland important to hundreds of bird species. Once completely dry, this wetland has been saved from drainage and drought through a progressive partnership between industry, government and Ducks Unlimited. It is now listed as one of 597 Important Bird Areas in Canada." www.ducks.ca/places/alberta/frank-lake/

This photo was taken in the evening of 27 May 2017, when a group of us (13?) got together at Frank Lake for a celebration of spring. Great company and great picnic food. Even a few birds to photograph, including this male Ruddy Duck, who was busy trying to impress a nearby female Ruddy Duck. We had sunshine, too, until it was time to go home, when the heavens opened and down came the rain, accompanied by streaks of lightning. Thanks, Brenda, for organizing this event that went so smoothly and was most enjoyable! "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id "Frank Lake, found 50 km southeast of Calgary near High River, Alberta, is a productive wetland important to hundreds of bird species. Once completely dry, this wetland has been saved from drainage and drought through a progressive partnership between industry, government and Ducks Unlimited. It is now listed as one of 597 Important Bird Areas in Canada." www.ducks.ca/places/alberta/frank-lake/

This photo was taken in the evening of 27 May 2017, when a group of us (13?) got together at Frank Lake for a celebration of spring. Great company and great picnic food. Even a few birds to photograph, including this male Ruddy Duck, who was busy trying to impress a nearby female Ruddy Duck. We had sunshine, too, until it was time to go home, when the heavens opened and down came the rain, accompanied by streaks of lightning. Thanks, Brenda, for organizing this event that went so smoothly and was most enjoyable! "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id "Frank Lake, found 50 km southeast of Calgary near High River, Alberta, is a productive wetland important to hundreds of bird species. Once completely dry, this wetland has been saved from drainage and drought through a progressive partnership between industry, government and Ducks Unlimited. It is now listed as one of 597 Important Bird Areas in Canada." www.ducks.ca/places/alberta/frank-lake/

This photo was taken yesterday evening, around 6:00 pm, when a group of us (13?) got together at Frank Lake for a celebration of spring. Great company and great picnic food. Even a few birds to photograph, including this male Ruddy Duck, who was busy creating a mass of bubbles with his bill in order to impress a nearby female Ruddy Duck. We had sunshine, too, until it was time to go home, when the heavens opened and down came the rain, accompanied by streaks of lightning. Thanks, Brenda, for organizing this event that went so smoothly and was most enjoyable! "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id A very early start to the day today, 28 May 2017, as it's the second day of the annual May Species Count. My small group will be spending all day SW of the city, searching and hoping for some good sightings.

Such sad news from the Calgary Zoo just now (16 May 2016): "We are deeply saddened to share that silverback gorilla, Kakinga, passed away Saturday night at the age of 37. Often called the zoo’s gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback; a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader. Our Veterinary team has determined he died as a result of developing a large tear in his aorta which caused the sac around his heart to become filled with blood and ultimately stopped his heart. This is one of the well-recognized causes of mortality in gorillas, especially males. Kakinga was born December 1, 1978 at the Jersey Zoo in the United Kingdom and arrived at the Calgary Zoo in 1984. After nine years, he transitioned into the role of silverback, or leader of the troop in 1993, a role he held for the past 23 years. During his time as silverback, he fathered 13 offspring, eight of which are surviving with the most recent being born just this past March at our zoo. Of those eight, five are males and three are females. But Kakinga is known for more than just his impressive genetics. His calm and gentle natured endeared him to all zoo staff who cared for him. He was very involved in his role as leader of the troop, acting as a peacekeeper, a protector and in some very tender moments, a father." From the Calgary Zoo. "Western Lowland Gorillas are part of a Species Survival Program authorized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and are considered endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Their last chance for survival may be a few gorilla sanctuaries in Africa, zoos, and other captive environments and breeding programs throughout the world." From the Calgary Zoo. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My plan on 8 May 2016 was to join friends for an afternoon walk at Carburn Park. Closer to the time, I knew I would never make it in time and decided at the last minute that I would instead go for a short drive SE of the city. I knew that I was far more likely to see a few closer birds and get some photo opportunities if I went SE. I stayed around Frank Lake for most of the time. When I checked the weather forecast before I left, I knew that there was a possibity of rain later on. I totally forgot to check how windy it was going to be, and ended up barely being able to hold my camera steady enough to try and get a few shots. The strong wind was causing mini waves both on the lake itself and also on the very small slough I stopped at, creating a few neat water patterns. Shorebirds included the always beautiful American Avocet and Black-necked Stilts, a Willet and a couple of different shorebirds. I don't see shorebirds very often and I am not good at IDs for them. A pair of Killdeer were making a lot of noise, as usual. Saw several kinds of ducks, but many of them were too far to get any photos worth keeping. I was happy to see a pair of Canvasbacks and several Ruddy Ducks. The male Ruddy Ducks were busy trying to impress the females - these small guys are so funny to watch, especially during the breeding season, as they seem to have lots of character and a real attitude. The males have quite a stunning, chestnut coloured body and sky-blue bill. "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id

My plan two days ago, on 8 May 2016, was to join friends for an afternoon walk at Carburn Park. Closer to the time, I knew I would never make it in time and decided at the last minute that I would instead go for a short drive SE of the city. I knew that I was far more likely to see a few closer birds and get some photo opportunities if I went SE. I stayed around Frank Lake for most of the time. When I checked the weather forecast before I left, I knew that there was a possibity of rain later on. I totally forgot to check how windy it was going to be, and ended up barely being able to hold my camera steady enough to try and get a few shots. The strong wind was causing mini waves both on the lake itself and also on the very small slough I stopped at, creating a few neat water patterns. Shorebirds included the always beautiful American Avocet and Black-necked Stilts and a couple of different shorebirds. I don't see shorebirds very often and I am not good at IDs for them. A pair of Killdeer were making a lot of noise, as usual. Saw several kinds of ducks, but many of them were too far to get any photos worth keeping. I was happy to see a pair of Canvasbacks and several Ruddy Ducks. The male Ruddy Ducks were busy trying to impress the females - these small guys are so funny to watch, especially during the breeding season, as they seem to have lots of character and a real attitude. The males have quite a stunning, chestnut coloured body and sky-blue bill. "Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico." From AllAboutBirds. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id

Yesterday afternoon, 1 May 2015, I left home to drive SE of the city, with Frank Lake as my main destination. I was there on 26 April with quite a large group of birders and the lake was so beautifully calm - made for some nice reflections. Yesterday was the opposite, with very strong winds, making it really difficult to stand and especially hold a camera. The wind started a short while after I left home and I did wonder what it was going to be like at Frank Lake. The highway south is through pretty flat, prairie land and so there is little to break the force of the wind. As a result, I had to grip the steering wheel the whole drive, trying to keep my car within the lines of my lane. A few hours of gripping my camera and bracing myself against a wooden corner at the bird blind (hide) didn't help. Last night and today, my shoulders and arms are so painful, having triggered the inflammation in both shoulder rotator cuffs again. Fortunately, today will be a lot more relaxing. I didn't see many species of bird yesterday afternoon, as my main focus was on the Eared Grebes, that I love seeing and photographing. Far more of them than a few days earlier, probably because they were trying to find a slightly more sheltered bit of water instead of the huge expanse of open lake. Saw a Coot or two, a few Canada Geese, maybe 15 or so White-faced Ibis in flight. Saw a couple of Yellow-headed Blackbirds, one Red-winged Blackbird, this Ruddy Duck, and endless noisy Gulls. Drove past the Great Horned Owl family and all looked well. I went all the way round the lake, but didn't see any birds at all along these gravel roads. I always love the prairie landscape. The trip was worth it, though (apart from my painful arms!). Now I just have to go through and delete all the dozens of very blurry Grebe shots. Hardly unexpected, though, given the very windy day. I was just amazed that a few photos look like they may be sharp enough to post!

This photo was taken SW of the city, at one of the sloughs, on 7 June 2014. The Ruddy Duck is a very small duck and I always find the breeding males so amusing to watch.

After being on my computer almost every waking moment yesterday, it didn't help having to type and read white text on black! By the time I edited photos for today, my eyes were so blurry and I didn't notice till just now that I shouldn't have cropped this photo quite so closely : ) Sorry about the graininess! Found this Ruddy Duck male swimming on a small slough SW of Calgary on 16 July 2013. I always find Ruddy Ducks, especially the males (like in my photo), amusing to watch. These are very small ducks but they have lots of personality, especially during the breeding season : ) The males have quite a stunning, chestnut coloured body and sky-blue bill. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/ruddy_duck/id

From my archives, taken on 9 June 2011 in SW Calgary. I'm often surprised when I happen to look for something in my photostream and only find a handful of images for that subject, knowing that I have taken many photos over time. The reason is that I have so many photos on my hard drive that just never got posted. So, finally, here is this Ruddy Duck : ) The Ruddy Duck is a small, stiff-tailed duck, having a spiky tail that it often holds straight up in display. Male and female are 13.8–16.9 in (35–43 cm) in length. The male's bright cinnamon red feathers and blue bill make it an attractive water bird. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Duck/id www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Duck/id

A photo taken earlier this summer in Bridlewood, on July 21st. There are several Ruddy Ducks in this particular area and sometimes the males would get into "arguments". I can't remember where the bubbles came from, but maybe a second male had just dived below the surface. Quite amusing when they get all agitated because another male has approached. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck

These Ruddy Ducks are always so far away when I see one on the rare occasion. This one was on a small, local wetland and with a lot of zoom and a lot of cropping, I managed to make it reasonably close : ) Friday 13th May was a lucky day for me - usually, almost everything is very far away at this location, but just over a week ago it worked well. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck

A rather messy photo, but I'll take it, as I so rarely see this species of duck : ) They are only small ducks, and the males have such beautiful coloured plumage and gorgeous blue bill. Sometimes, their fan tail is in an upright position, but in my photo you can just make it out on the surface of the water. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy_Duck

I so rarely get to see Ruddy Ducks and when I do, they are too far away for photos. As it is, this image is heavily cropped, but it is still the closest image I've taken so far. Just love the beautiful blue bill! Wish its tail had been sticking up, though, in a typical pose. I sometimes have a good chuckle when I think back maybe seven years or so, when I thought that a duck was a duck (i.e. a Mallard). I had no idea that there were SO many different species!

Though Ruddy Ducks are common in Alberta from April to September, I don't get to see them very often and usually when I have seen them, they are far away in the distance. This family was swimming on MacKenzie Lake recently. It was the first time I had ever seen Ruddy ducklings, so it was quite a treat. Breeding males have a beautiful blue bill. A Ruddy Duck has long, stiff tail feathers often cocked upwards, as can be seen with this adult female.