DUCKS

Went down to Humber Bay West park sunday afternoon (Humber Bay park is actually on the Mimico Creek, as the Humber River is further to the east. What's up with that?!). With the great sunshine,and warm weather, there was lots of people about. Much of the river at the outlet was frozen, but as you go south, the open water allowed for more birds, including Mallards. They have such amazing sheen to the green of there heads.






Also there were some Buffleheads. These are amazing little guys who come south from the artic to winter in Toronto. The males have a dark head, that much like a mallard, has an amasing sheen. Instead of only green, they have a rainbow of colours.





This is a female:





Now, in general, anytime I've seen Buffleheads, they have been very shy about being around anyone on shore. As you walk towards the shore, the will swim away. I was feeding the ducks some peanuts, and was completely suprised to see about 10 of these little guys fly over. Then, even more shocking, they were actually eating the peanuts! I can only think they were really hungry to come towards a person on the shore, and to eat the peanuts.








Later, I went to Colonel Sam Smith park where I saw some Mute swans.

Olympics - City Hall Toronto

On Feb 20, CTV had an olympic celebration at Toronto City Hall. On hand were things like a bobsled photo, mini curling, coke and their little coke bottles, as well as olympic athletes, a trampoline show, and the main event, a series of concert performances.

First up was the ski/trampoline demonstration, featuring Silver medalist(from 2008) Jason Burnett.





Like the earlier Bell show, there was some problems. Here, Jason is sent flying into a tree!

And later joins his partner in a ski jump during the downhill event's in BC!

A gentleman kept the crowds occupied with song in the early portion of the event.

Then Justin Hines did a few songs. He's famous as one of the people who sang the Ontario Tourism songs.

Fefe Dobson then rocked the place with some great songs. Such a powerful voice, then after the song, she would have this small litle "thank you"!








Then the "new" Barenaked Ladies took the stage at 5 o'clock. Its always great to see them play, as they have great songs!









And the banter between songs is legendary. Here's there impromtu "gold medal" song!




Now, I've been watching the olympics on TV, and always find it funny that the TV station runs as many commercials for themselves as they do for their sponsors. Since I'm already watching your station, why do you feel it necessary to tell me over and over again. And they continued this at the event.

Did Alicia Markson know who it was:



Did Ken Shaw know:



or Tom Brown:




Maybe Nathan Downer can guess:



George Lagogianes:



Yup, CTV!

Lake Simcoe Wind Festival

This past weekend (Family Day Weekend), I drove up to Keswick to watch the Lake Simicoe Wind Festival (8th year) on the ice of Lake Simcoe.
Have to admit, kind of weird to park my car on the water!!
Unfortunately, pretty grey day, only broken up by the bright colours of the various kites used by the participants.