at Callander Bay, Lake Nipissing
Last week I stopped by Callander Bay and have to say got a huge surprise! The bay was green sludge…actually it is blue-green algae. It was as far out into the bay as I could see. I knew there was an issue in Callander Bay, but didn’t realize just how bad it was! “The toxins in the algae can irritate the skin and, if ingested, cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, the toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage. The residences of Callander Bay are advised to keep pets or livestock from drinking or swimming in the water. In addition, residents should not use the water for cooking because food may absorb toxins from the water. Also, boiling or treating the water with a disinfectant such as bleach may release more toxins”. http://www.nugget.ca/2013/08/02/blue-green-algae-bloom-in-callander-bay
Very sad really, as Callander Bay is a beautiful tourist area in the summer and in the winter the bay is full of ice huts…wouldn’t be eating any fish from the Bay!
the water looks blue/gray around this female duck but if you look close to her body you will see it is green! 
smart fellow, no fishing for him! I think this fellow is from the Bittern family…
Heather Cote... 
Nice pics Heather! The last photo is either an American Bittern or an Immature Green Heron. Hard to tell but the immature Green Herons do look very similar to the American Bittern. The Green Heron will change into more solid colors once it matures into it’s breeding plumage. The black crown on it’s head leads me to thinking it’s an immature Green Heron but not absolutely sure. Great pics though.
September 3, 2013 at 7:26 pm
wow, Heather! Nice job! I especially love that second one!
September 4, 2013 at 12:52 am
Yuck. Some of our lakes have developed the same issue … toxic algae. Nice shots.
September 4, 2013 at 3:43 am
yuck for sure…from what I saw it is concentrated in this particular bay area, for now, but I’m wondering for how long? not good regardless…thanks Bill
September 4, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Evil stuff, what a shame it got there.. Great bird photos, the duck is superb
September 4, 2013 at 11:03 am
yes, sad really, not sure what can be done about it? thanks feralc4t
September 4, 2013 at 1:35 pm