Harlequin Duck

Taken in really bad light early this morning on a walk at Beaverdam Flats. However, this is the closest photo (by far!) that I have of a Harlequin Duck. They are locally uncommon here from May to September. I think I'm right in saying that there are about five of these small ducks in the city, so it's a treat to see them. Actually, there is a female mainly hidden behind the right, upper Goose. This photo doesn't show the beautiful colours of this male duck, but you can still see the patterns. The male has a grey-blue body, chestnut sides, white spots and stripes on the head, neck and flanks. In contrast, we saw about 5,000 Canada Geese along the Bow River today!