The last time that I was at Elk Island National Park, I stopped at the beaver pond at Astotin Lake.  The water was overflowing a trail.  I had my rubber boots on so ventured through the water in search of the goslings that were there on a previous visit.

As I walked north, there was a sudden rustling of tall grasses and an adult teal began putting on a show.  At the time, I wondered what the bird was doing.  I realized that the mama was trying to draw my attention to her so her brood could swim out of the tall grass.  She kept at it until all the little ones were a safe distance away.  I've only read about that behavior and had never witnessed it for real until that day.

I watched the babies swim in unison to the opposite side of the pond.  They were quick.  It was difficult to get a decent photo.  Mama teal was pretty quick as well.  She turned out to be a blurr.

The ponds are filled with many types of waterfowl; most with newly hatched babes.  What fun I have visiting the ponds and watching the antics.