Actually more like a muddle, swimming off in all directions.
Tag Archives: Birds
WINTER WOODPECKER
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.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
In the warmer months local birds have a wider variety of menu options.
NOVEMBER NUTHATCH
We are lucky to see Nuthatches all year long.
LATE SEASON DUCK
With snow in the forecast, opportunities like this are fading quickly. Taking a camera out in cold weather is a challenge. My plan is to use my camera phone this winter to take some decent photos, I guess that means I’ll have to read the manual 😏
MONDAY MALLARDS
I saw this family of mallards in July. The young ducks will be all grown up by now.
NOVEMBER NUTHATCH
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. 😊
JAILBIRDS
These little sparrows landed on a fence right in front of me. I was lucky to get this shot, as a dog walker passed by a moment later and they flew off.
ANGRY BIRD
We were taking photos of an adult and osprey chick on their nest at a respectful distance (with long lenses and at least 40 feet below 😏 ) but the osprey parent was not happy at all. It flew from the nest, circled above and flew uncomfortably low and close. We took the hint and walked quickly back to the car, content with the photos we had got.
CITY BLUES
I haven’t had many opportunities for bird photography this summer, so I was pleased to see this Blue Jay on the roof edge. I liked the way the elements of the building framed the bird.
SLOW DOWN
I spent many summer afternoons walking along the river. Scenes like this always draw me back.
GROWING UP
Not a chick anymore and not quite adult but growing up fast.
OSPREYS, LATE SUMMER
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.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
They are beautiful birds but tricky to photograph given their dark plumage. This bird was looking for some lunch.
RING-BILLED GULL
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.
SHARE THE PATH, DUCK
Obviously, the signs don’t apply to this duck. 😏
SLEEPING GOOSE
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!
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
The American Black Duck is very similar in appearance to the female mallard, although its feathers are darker and its bill is an olive yellow. Not as common here as the mallard but still well represented.
DUCK PADDLE
A group of ducks on the water can be called a paddling of ducks. I think the term suits these mallards just fine.
GOOSE TRIO
If you wait awhile Canada Geese can strike some interesting poses or sometimes you just happen upon a scene like this.
ONE IN EVERY GROUP
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 😊
GREAT EGRET (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There’s a wetland not far from town that we drive to a few times over the summer. When we pulled over we saw a solitary Egret fishing. I wasn’t using my longest lens but the 300mm did a fair job. After a few minutes, I looked away and when I looked back the bird was in the air. Look at those legs, pulled together like a diver in flight!
FUNNY DUCKS
I took the male’s portrait and then his mate joined the frame. I think mallards are the comedians of the duck world.
DUCK TO WATER
The river was pretty choppy but this black duck knew exactly how to maneuver through it.
A CUT ABOVE
Pigeons are common and not very popular given their messy ways. A liked this one though, a very handsome bird.
GRACKLE IN THE GRASS
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).
CALM WATERS
The water on this stretch of river has the most beautiful reflections. My good luck that the mallard decided to take that route.
GUARD DUCK
The mallard had recently gotten out of the water and was drying off on the grass. I hesitated for a moment before I approached. It looked like a no nonsense duck!
FEMALE DOWNY WOODPECKER
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 😏.
TREE SWALLOW
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.
PRIVACY PLEASE
I took this photo as the mallard was emerging from the river. The duck didn’t look too pleased by my presence 😏
LOOKOUT
I like to see robins strike this pose, stretching to their full height. It stopped feeding for a moment, looked around and then continued on.
DOWNY WOODPECKER
This downy woodpecker is one of the first I’ve seen this spring. She appeared to be considering how to approach the job of searching for insects.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
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!
CITY BIRD
The red brick made an attractive backdrop for this common pigeon. Often maligned, I thought this bird had presence.
Duck Out Of Water
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 😊
Line Up
You can’t get much cuter than these goslings.
FOR THE BIRDS
I took this Black-crowned Night Heron one day in May a few years ago. We’re having snow showers today. The early spring migrants must be wondering what’s up with this weather 😏
MONDAY MALLARD
Warm spring days aren’t with us yet so it’s a bit cold for much photography. I continue to dip into my archives for now. A duck for your Monday viewing.
Wood Ducks (Two Photographs)
Wood Ducks are the most colourful ducks we see in this area. A few have been spotted here this spring. They return to breed and remain until the temperatures dip. I took these photos several years back.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 