Ducks

The geese may fly south, but the Rideau River's ducks stay in town for the winter, hanging out at the places where the flow is rapid and the water shallow. You can spot them in the river near Strathcona Park, near Mooney's Bay above the Hog's Back Falls and across the river from the Rideau Canoe Club's premises, and from a bus, as you cross the Transitway bridge between Lees and Hurdman stations.

How these warm-blooded creatures manage to bear the cold water is a miracle to me.