Winter Photography

 A Good time for Duck Photography

American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) Britannia Conservation Area, Mud Lake, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Always a good time to spot ducks as they huddle along the open waters of the Ottawa River. Sometimes getting lucky to see a new species that is over wintering in Ottawa. American Wigeons fly in and spend the winter amongst the crowds of Mallards along the shore. American Black Ducks can be seen close to the open waters of the river or streams. They are hard to distinguish between the Mallards just appearing darker and bill colour differentiating the two species.

American Wigeon (Mareca americana) Britannia Conservation Area, Mud Lake, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Mallards are the norm for any season along the river. Seeing a few Black Ducks here and there amongst the crowd. The American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) being seen less due to interbreeding with the more frequent Mallards. 

Sometimes we get lucky and see a Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) but not showing up in the winter season usually in the fall & spring. The Shovelers' being my favourite duck to see in the areas around Ottawa.