A cold cloudy day with occasional spouts of sunlight. Most waters inland are still frozen over which meant finding some open water by the sea.

A trek to the Westport River near Horseneck Beach I crossed the bridge and noticed some ducks in the water by the boat ramp. Ah, my first stop. 

I made my way to the empty boat ramp parking lot. A few ducks were relatively close. Exiting the car I walked to the end of the pier observing the area. I could not help but notice ice floating down the river. It felt as if I was in the Arctic regions.

The ducks swam further out and despite me sitting for awhile on the cold rocks they did not venture close. I went back to the car, parking as close as I was able. Essentially, using the car as a blind. Although still wary, ducks came back and reasonably close. Closer to the car then if I sat still on the cold rocks or wooded pier. Of course, I would prefer they would come closer.

Out of the corner of my eye I thought I noticed moment. Sure enough, two female Bufflehead’s swimming my way and not aware of my presence yet. I moved the camera their way, fingers tightening the camera grip in anticipation of them getting closer. Oh no, one raised its head, paused, thereby alerting the other. They saw me.  All of a sudden they skimmed across the water, took flight and flew by in an instant.

I didn’t think the Bufflehead’s would return soon, so I turn my attention to the merganser eating crab,clams and fish. One merganser surfaced with a fish and the gulls went ballistic. The merganser narrowly escape with its meal with a quick dive. The gulls are a determined bunch with one partially diving after the merganser.

Other birds of interest included: Common Loon, Common Eider and Goldeneye Ducks who really kept their distance!

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2 Responses to “Westport Harbour”

1. Robin says:

   Friday, February 5, 2010 at 2:10 pm

   Nice post. Love the photo of the Buffleheads taking off! Great action shot.
2. ERWIN says:

   Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 5:22 am

   A Great Post Andy