Birds Mud Lake, Ottawa, Ontario

[Normware]

Went on a photo walk organized by Henry's Camera. Mud lake is a self-contained swampy looking lake that is a unique wetland ecosystem in Ottawa. It is an part of a larger area deemed by Nature Canada as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of Canada. According to the National Capital Commission (NCC) visitors can spot hundreds of different birds species, such as the common chickadee, wood ducks with their fantastic Mohawk feathers, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, and blue herons. With no dogs allowed in the conservation area, the wildlife seem so calm and friendly. Although the rules seem somewhat strict, they help make it a truly unique experience in the Ottawa area where you can get much closer to nature. The NCC asks not to feed the animals, however, the chickadees and even woodpeckers must be accustomed to receiving seeds

Here are few shots. all shot with the R5 and 100-500mm rf lens.
Theis a wood duck. It came right up to me. Even though the NCC asks not to feed the birds, they are not afraid and seem to expect to be fed.

The "wild" turkey was part of a flock that surrounded us.

This is a female Mallard (so I have been told I am not a birder).

 

[MikeZ]

Great photos, and the park sounds amazing. Take advantage before winter sets-in and makes you think twice about going out.

 

[micheric]

That sounds like a wonderful park. Even as a dog lover I can see how they can get the wildlife riled up. Good on the commission asking them to stay away. Very nice shots.

 

[Normware]

Great photos, and the park sounds amazing. Take advantage before winter sets-in and makes you think twice about going out.

Thanks. the bike trails turn into ski trails maintained by the NCC