The male mallard had a good view of his watery domain.
Tag Archives: Bird Photography
FEMALE DOWNY WOODPECKER
I took this photo on a windy day and the wind had re-arranged this downy’s head feathers a bit. She was taking a quick break from her foraging.
BLACKBIRD’S SNACK
I haven’t seen too many insects yet, the temperature is warm one day and cold the next. It’s not presenting a problem for this Red-winged Blackbird though.
RACE YA’ – GOSLINGS
Like most youngsters these two were in a hurry. We saw a lot of goslings on our walk. This is the first of many more photos to come.
CHIPPING SPARROW
There were several sparrows feeding on the ground but the smaller chipping sparrow stood out with its distinctive markings and smaller size. It’s a migratory bird and nice to see back in Spring.
FEMALE CARDINAL
We returned to one of our favourite wildlife gardens after a long absence and were not disappointed. There was a tremendous variety of birds, including this attractive cardinal.
TREE SWALLOW
I was tempted to crop a bit closer to show off the swallow’s expression but I wanted to highlight the spring leaves as well.
WELCOME BACK, CANADA GEESE
The first of the Canada Geese began returning a few weeks ago. I saw this lone individual on the river one sunny day during the week.
BREAK TIME
Every spring some house sparrows build their nests in the eaves of a downtown building. I saw this female on a nearby lawn.
AMERICAN ROBIN
I watched as the robin ran across the lawn and finally came to a stop. Nothing says spring like a robin!
FIRST OF THE SEASON, BLACKBIRD
Last weekend was beautiful and warm and I had my first sighting of a Red-winged Blackbird. The bird seemed to enjoy the weather too and burst into song 😊
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
The house sparrow blended in so perfectly to its surroundings that I was pretty pleased to get a clear shot.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
These birds are a sure sign of Spring. I haven’t seen or heard one yet (I took this photo last year). It shouldn’t be long now!
MAY GOSLING
With freezing rain pouring down this morning, it was time to revisit a fine spring day last May. I saw a few Canada Geese fly overhead the other day, I hope they can hold on a little longer. Warmer weather coming next week.
BY THE RIVER
We’ve discovered a few new trails close to the river. Walking by one day, I saw this Great Blue Heron in the reeds. I wasn’t far from the bird and didn’t want to cause it to fly off. I shouldn’t have worried though as something else had its entire attention.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT
This part of the Ottawa River is popular with Cormorants; there are plenty of perches for them to dry off after fishing. An interesting looking bird with its turquoise eyes and bright yellow facial patch.
BLACK DUCK
The solitary duck looked small against the high waves but on it swam. A duck called Intrepid 😊
COOL DUCK
I found this image on an old drive. I think mallards were among the first birds I photographed and I never get tired of them. 😊
SPRING FORWARD
Daylight saving time begins here in the early hours of March 12. The chickadee looks about to make the leap too.
STAR
Canada Geese are attractive birds but the Egret was a real standout. I took this by the the river close to shore; this spot often attracts a lone egret or heron and a lot of geese.
GEESE AND FRIEND
As loud as geese can be not these three. I think we all were enjoying the stillness of the afternoon.
WINTER SHADES
So often winter is pretty dreary here but not always.
FOOTLOOSE
I’m always impressed with the way mallards manage to keep their footing on these icy surfaces. This duck skidded a bit but recovered well, maintaining his dignity.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I featured this duck close up to show off its marvellous bill and then pulled back some, as the background was worth a look too. I’ve only seen the northern shoveler in late November. I’ve read that it appears as if its rear is sitting higher up in the water than its front end. Not surprising with a bill like that.😊
PILEATED WOODPECKER
Lightning strikes, wind and time have left their marks on this tree. I imagine it makes the hunt for insects easier for this woodpecker.
SPRING MELT
Not quite yet, I took this scene in April a few years ago. I hope this year things warm up sooner.
WEDNESDAY WOOD DUCK
As soon as the waterways are free of ice the wood ducks will return. I took this photo in early April.
ON HIS TOES
Nuthatches are agile birds. Watching them move sideways and upside down as they forage is very impressive. One of the birds we enjoy year round.
RUFFLED CROWN
This osprey was a considerable distance from me but not far enough away not to give it a try. Some cropping did the trick. I liked the angle of its head, showing off its head feathers.
YOUNG WOOD DUCK
Young birds are adventurous but you always wish their mother was a bit closer.
ON THIN ICE
Not this duck’s first rodeo 😊
AT THE LAKE
The geese posed nicely in front of the beaver lodge. I think it is abandoned as there is no evidence of fresh wood.
ON A MISSION
I watched this hairy woodpecker as it moved along the tree, in and out of view.
PARTY TIME
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
CRISS-CROSS
This part of the lake is pretty busy but the birds pass each other very peaceably. There’s a lot to learn from nature!
BY CHANCE
I glanced up and saw this nuthatch. I can only imagine it was enjoying the scenery as much as I was.
SEEN ON A WALK
A White-throated sparrow going about its business.
LATE FALL VISITORS
Some years we see a few American Wigeons at the local reserve. Although quite common, we only see them occasionally in early spring or late fall. Their main breeding ground is further west and of course they’re “snowbirds”, heading south as the cold sets in. 😏
OPEN WATER
The river is only beginning to freeze, this scene is typical of early winter.
FINE DINING
Well, the downy woodpecker thought so 😊