This trio had been swimming behind their mother and must have decided to get a little rest before rejoining her.  The adult stayed close, just out of the frame.

Earlier in the month I posted photos of some Chipping Sparrows.  I was lucky to get several shots, this one shows off its chestnut cap.

Last week I featured some female mergansers sunning themselves. The same day I took those photos, I saw a younger duck swimming further out (which is where I usually seem them). Mergansers are diving ducks that feed on small fish and crustaceans, I got several photos of her as she came to the surface.

This rock is a popular spot for ducks to sun themselves. On this day two mergansers had staked it out. As I usually spot them swimming out in the middle of the lake it was nice to see them close up.

There were a lot of mallards settled under the trees as we walked along the path at our local reserve. We’re experiencing very high temperatures right now and shady spots are at a premium.

We decided to walk along the river in search of a breeze as the temperature continues to rise. Not much relief there but we did see some birds including this juvenile Canada Goose. He’s beginning to lose his down and acquire juvenile plumage. His parent wasn’t far behind; they remain with their parents for about a year.

I caught this Red-winged Blackbird enjoying the warmth of the sun earlier this month.  The park is popular with these birds and you’re usually greeted by their song as you approach the path.

I like to watch the geese out with their young, showing them the way.

I was using a long lens and I was very close to the mallard so this image gives the impression that the path was hers 😏

There were a number of Red-winged Blackbirds at the park when this young one landed quite close to me. I believe it’s a juvenille male.

After a walk around the reserve and having seen very little we decided to return to the car.  A few minutes from the entrance we came upon this Black-crowned Night Heron.  A first of the year sighting!

I watched the grackle with its catch hop along the shore for quite some time.  I don’t know if it had a nest nearby because it didn’t fly off or stop to eat. I know the warm weather is here to stay when I start seeing these intelligent and attractive birds.

Goslings can swim within 24 hours of hatching. Their parents coat them in waterproof oils to keep them buoyant. Amazing 😊. It takes them longer to learn to fly,, about 10 weeks.

We took a walk along the river on the weekend and came across two pairs of Canada Geese and their young. Given what a slow start to spring we’ve had, I was particularly happy to see that some things continue right on schedule 😊

Black-capped chickadees know all the best places!

The temperature has taken a dip but the robins know it’s spring and they serve as a reminder to those of us who are back to wearing warm jackets. 😏

Great Egrets are usually so pristine lookong but when it comes to hunting for food a bird can get a bit dirty. The egrets and herons who fish close to shore are usually successful but end up looking a bit messy.

I like grackles although they have a poor reputation as bullies and agricultural pests. Despite that they’re attractive, intelligent birds that can be fun to watch as they strut around the grass.  I look forward to their return in early spring.

This will be a running theme on my blog for the next little while…

We’re fortunate to have a nice variety of ducks. Last year was a very good year for wood ducks. I saw this young female towards the end of the summer.

We see quite a few American Black Ducks during the warmer months. They resemble female mallards though they’re darker and their bills are yellow, they are also heavier than mallards. They seem less rowdy too but perhaps that’s because there are fewer of them. 😏

Sometimes that’s all you can do 😏