Wood Duck

The Wood Duck (Scientific name - Aix sponsa) is the most colourful duck in North America. It is a medium sized duck that breeds in the Southern part of Canada and Northern U.S.A.  While the majority of the species migrate South for the winter, a high percentage of those in the Pacific Flyway are year round residents. 

The adult males are the most colourful with red eyes and multicoloured iridescent plumage. The female is mainly brown with a distinctive white eye ring. 

All the photos were taken at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The top two photos in April 2012, the third photo in August 2012 and the bottom photo of the juvenile in January 2011.

Juvenile

Trumpeter Swan

The Trumpeter Swan (Scientific name - Cygnus buccinator) is the largest species of waterfowl native to North America. They are migratory and the largest number of breeding pairs can be found in Alaska. They winter in the Southern part of Western Canada and in Washington State, Montana and sometimes Colorado. They have historically been known to range as far south as Texas or California.

The adult Trumpeter Swan is all white with a distinctive black bill. Juveniles display grey plumage. The legs are a grey/pink colour. 

The two top photos were taken in December 2010 while the bottom photo was taken in February 2012. All photos were taken in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.

Canada Goose

The Canada Goose (Scientific name - Branta canadensis) is one of the most common waterfowl in North America. This large goose is easily identifiable by its long black neck and black head with white patches on its face. Although many believe it is Canada's national bird, at the time of writing, it was not, as Canada does not have an official national bird. They are native to North America, but have been found to travel to Northern Europe and have also been introduced into Britain and New Zealand. They migrate South in winter, and travel in large flocks in a distinctive "V" formation.  They are easily distinguishable from the Lesser Canada Goose by their larger size and longer necks.

The Canada Goose is known to mate for life.

The top photo was taken in Vancouver, B.C. in May 2011, the middle photo taken at Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. in July 2013, and the bottom photo was taken in Abbotsford, B.C. in August 2013.