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Spotting birds: Annual event takes a gander at geese

THUNDER BAY -- High water levels are not friendly conditions for waterfowl.
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Thunder Bay Field Naturalists volunteer Brian Ratcliff. (Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY -- High water levels are not friendly conditions for waterfowl.

Local birdwatchers were reminded of that Saturday morning as few ducks and geese were to be found for the annual waterfowl viewing day, an event hosted by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority in collaboration with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists.

Thunder Bay Field Naturalists volunteer Brian Ratcliff explained that many ducks and other waterfowl rely on shallow water to dip below the surface in search of food, a task that is difficult with water higher on Lake Superior than the past few years.

“Normally we’re trying to look for waterfowl but this year with the water levels being so high we’re not seeing too many,” Ratcliff said.

“Right now in the little harbour or bay to the side of Mission Island where we normally see lots of ducks, because it’s shallow where they can forage, we’re not seeing any.”

That didn’t mean the day, which has been held for at least the past 15 years, was a complete loss for the nearly 30 people who dropped in during the three hour event.

At least 16 different species of birds were spotted at the conservation area throughout the morning, ranging from about six bald eagles to a number of smaller sparrows.

“We’re picking up with the other migrant birds that are moving through,” he said. “There’s a little bit of everything going on.”

Ratcliff said the number of bald eagles in the area continues to increase, with the birds having at least one nest on the nearby McKellar Island.

But just because one day has less than anticipated results doesn’t mean to stop for the season.

“Every day is different,” Ratcliff said. “You just never know so you have to get out and have a look.”

He also guesses there might not be too many birds around this winter due to a visible lack of seeds and cones for them to feed on.





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