Long-tailed Ducks (Old Squaws)

Old Squaw wingtip feathers, Inner Harbour, Toronto Islands

Winging Away

An old squaw wings away from the camera, feathers outstretched.

Long-tailed duck in flight, Hanlan's Point, Toronto Islands

Translucent Airlines

Light shines through the flight feathers of a long-tailed duck, taking flight near Hanlan’s Point.

Old Squaw duck, Algonquin Island, Toronto Islands

Numbered Days

And old squaw duck pauses between fishing dives, perfectly reflected in the lagoon’s surface.  Their days here this 2010-11 season are already numbered, as migratory birds begin to return to the Islands and increase competition for food.


Mixed-duck formation, Eastern Gap, Toronto Islands

Follow the Leader

A mixed formation of ducks fly through the eastern gap, mergansers playing follow-the-leader with a female long-tailed duck (née old squaw).

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