We’re lucky to see Blue Jays in winter. They’re clever birds and store large quantities of food in hidden caches as well as show up at bird feeders during the colder months.
Tag Archives: Birds
Close Call
Though we live in the city, there’s a nature reserve close by that we go to frequently. Good years attract a lot of ducks and geese and several herons. The pond supports turtles and birds. This young wood duck was swimming quite close to where we had just seen a snapping turtle go by. Fortunately she didn’t linger long.
Make a Big Splash
To a bright year ahead. Happy New Year!
Park Time
Canada Geese seem to enjoy this park as much as people do. There’s a lot of grassy lawn, shade trees and the river is close by. Just add a bit of sun, perfect!
Holiday Greetings
Wishing you all the best for the Holidays!
Summer Visitor
I stopped by the lake where I took this photo last summer. I had hoped to see some wildlife to photograph but there was nothing about. Looking through my files when I got home, I came across this cormorant swimming through some pretty reflections and felt a bit better about this whole winter thing 😏
Spreading its Wings
It’s nice to revisit spring when things are anything but outside. I caught this very young gosling spreading its wings one day last May.
Too Long Gone
Recently, I went out to the little pond I see wood ducks in season but it was frozen over and snow covered. As I took many photos of them last summer here’s one of a young duck to chase away the winter blues.
Late Summer Mallard
I took this photo in August. The mallard hadn’t quite finished molting but as he was out in the open I assume his flight feathers had grown in.
Balancing Act
Birds seem to like perching on overhead wires. This starling pair got a nice view up there.
Young One – 3
I’ve never seen a juvenile European Starling before and at first I wasn’t quite sure what it was. Then I saw a mature bird close by which confirmed it.
All Grown Up
These goslings must be full grown now, getting ready to fly south for the winter.
Nice and Direct
I like getting a bird looking in my direction. Sizing me up perhaps 😊
Wood Duck
She was swimming up to shore and I was lucky to be standing right there.
Lesser Scaup
This duck is also known as the little bluebill for obvious reasons.
Sparrow Walk
This little house sparrow was taking a walk on the porch like he owned the place 😊
Grackle
I took this earlier in the summer, I haven’t seen any grackles in a while, though it’s a bit early for their fall migration.
Good Morning, Goose
I love catching geese this this, straight on and looking a bit goofy 😊
Wood Duck
We’ve enjoyed seeing a fair number of Wood Ducks this year. I featured this young female late last month, her pose is different here.
Twist and Turn
I took the photo between the rails of a small bridge. The heron was positioned so close by , I had to twist a bit to get the shot. It had a few wispy feathers on the top of its head but other than that it looked like a mature bird.
Young One – 2
It’s that time in the season when young birds are maturing and looking more like adult birds. This wood duck is almost there but not quite. It still has some time to enjoy its youth. 😊
Young One
I’ve never seen a juvenile Red-winged Blackbird before. An exciting first; I liked its striking wing patches.
American Black Duck
American Black Ducks and Mallards are closely related ducks and they can often be found together, hybridization is also common. This particular duck was taking its turn on a popular log.
Green Heron
The light in this little cove isn’t ideal but that’s where the Green Heron chose to perch. Ducks like this spot too so I always pass by when I’m at this reserve.
On the Path
I’m partial to mallards, as longtime readers are probably aware. The duck walked towards me on the shaded path and I took the shot.
Wild Turkey
On a walk in a park we go to often we came across several wild turkey hens and their youngsters. I think this mother hen needed a bit of time on her own. but they always tend to look frazzled 😊
Great Egret
The Egret was lurking in the shade along the shoreline looking for something to swim by. It was not as statue-like as usual and I managed to catch it in several positions. More of these to come…
Swim with Pop
Goslings go through an awkward stage. I thought the young goose had progressed past that point in this shot with its parent.
Great Blue Heron
I’ve only seen two Great Blue Herons this summer, this was one of them. I kept hoping he’d do something rather than just standing there. Still a heron is a heron 😏
Stretch
The chickadee appeared to be craning to see something. Even stretched out in full you can see what a tiny bird it is.
Wood Duck
I think she was a young duck, her head feathers are still a bit fine and wispy, that and her curious stare.
Focus
I was so busy focusing on the Green Heron, I only noticed the Wood Duck on the log below when I imported the file. Both birds were concentrating on something as well 😊
Black-capped Chickadee
It’s always nice when I chickadee puts on the brakes long enough to get a photograph.
No Thanks
The female Lesser Scaup had her pick of fellas but didn’t seem impressed . 😏
Friday Grackle
I’ve seen a lot of grackles this year although I’ve seen fewer birds in general. Grackles are intelligent birds and fun to watch as they go about their business. They are known for their striking yellow eyes and iridescent plumage. This bird was enjoying a snack in the shade so its colouring was more subdued.
Lone Gull
I liked the starkness of the scene. Just a bird on a branch with the river all around.
Hooded Mergansers
The adult female merganser was giving her young brood a little space to explore the world around them.
City Blackbird
I don’t often see Red-winged Blackbirds perched like this. No leaves to shoot through here 😏
Car-struck
I frequently see Red-winged blackbirds perched on car side mirrors. I was waiting for this one to peer into the mirror but it was content to just stand there.
Out and About
Starling out for a stroll.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 