Actually more like a muddle, swimming off in all directions.

We’re lucky to have downy woodpeckers here all year round as most birds migrate south during the winter.  This male downy has found some insects to eat under the bark of the tree. They’re also seen more frequently at backyard feeders this time of year.

In the warmer months local birds have a wider variety of menu options.

We are lucky to see Nuthatches all year long. 

I saw this family of mallards in July.  The young ducks will be all grown up by now.

I was out taking landscape photos with a wide angle lens but when I saw the nuthatch I thought I’d give it a try. You never know. 😊 

Volunteers had built two nesting platforms by a local marsh and we’ve been lucky to see osprey there most summers. I’m glad we passed by when we did because on our second visit in early September the nest was empty. The birds had probably begun their migration south.

They are beautiful birds but tricky to photograph given their dark plumage. This bird was looking for some lunch.

Ring-billed gulls don’t overwinter here, and will head towards the Great Lakes or the Southern United States when the cold sets in. They are very common during the warmer months and when seen outside the city, in a natural setting, are quite attractive birds.

I often see birds sleeping with one eye open. In this way they can be aware of danger as a part of their brain remains alert. As for the raised leg, it minimizes heat loss. Clever birds!

I watched as the mother duck led her young ones towards the pond. They all fell into line except for the one at the rear 😊 

I usually see grackles near water or in trees, so I was surprised to see this bird walking along in the grass.  I know people with bird feeders tend to dislike grackles as they will bully the other birds. I like them though and admire their keen eye and good looks (they also keep the insect population down).   

Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest woodpeckers in North America. As they don’t migrate we get to enjoy them year round. They have some fast moves as they forage, it pays to have a steady hand 😏.

I took a lot of photos of this tree swallow but most were in very harsh light. I finally got this photo under better lighting conditions but the bird’s eye is not visible. Its beautiful feathers make up for that though.

If you see a Red-winged Blackbird, it’s supposed to be a lucky sign. Given that they usher in Spring, I would have to agree!

Walking along the path, I happened to look up and saw a wood duck sitting on the branch of a tree. There’s a first time for everything 😊