Harlequin Ducks Fishing In Lake Ontario

These two male Harlequin Ducks became celebrities this past winter at Lakefront Promenade Park on Lake Ontario in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

We have had occasion to see these ducks in the past, but by far, this pair gave us the best views by approaching close to the Lake Ontario shoreline.

The Harlequins spent all of their time diving for food.  Because they were following the fish, we never knew where they would pop up next.

The nonstop diving for mussels and fish was a full-time job for the Harlequin Ducks.

It was a challenge trying to photograph the Harlequin Ducks in light that would set off their flashy colours.

Fortunately, this species of duck is protected in many parts of Canada including Ontario.

With both the use of the bird’s feet and wings, which you can see are held out slightly to help propel the duck as it begins a dive, Harlequin Ducks are able to move quickly below the surface of the water.

It was like waiting for a jack-in-the-box to pop up once the Harlequins were under the water. The wait often took up to 45 seconds, and it was just sheer luck guessing where the ducks would break the surface.

On one occasion, the Harlequins had success and brought a fish to the surface.

A Harlequin Duck eats between 15 and 20 fish everyday.  They spend 4 to 5 hours daily making endless dives in search of prey.

This photo gives you some idea of how close the ducks were to shore.

Harlequin Ducks are stunning to look it, and it is the bold appearance of the drakes that led to their name.  Some have compared the plumage of Harlequin Ducks to the costumes worn by harlequin clowns and comic servants.

Given that Harlequin Ducks are rare to see in southern Ontario, we consider ourselves very lucky to have spent a short time observing and photographing these waterfowl.

They sure are a joy to behold.

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean