Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Spring Delights

Laurel Creek Conservation Area
25 April 2014


    Just when you think the cattails and the water are empty, you hear the distinctive call of a male Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus and voilà, there he is in all his glory, displaying his strength and prowess to every passing female.


    A careful scan revealed several other species, but few within photographic range. Small rafts of Ring-necked Ducks Aytha collaris, common at this time of year, swam close by, revealing just how undescriptively this duck was named by an early biologist in a bad mood!




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David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

11 comments:

  1. Karen29 April 2014 at 10:14

    A nice area for a walk. That's a great shot of the rw blackbird, what a show off he is!

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  2. Irma29 April 2014 at 11:25

    What a great photo's.
    Second picture is truly sublime.
    Greetings Irma

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  3. Dział Przyrody MŚO30 April 2014 at 02:52

    Beautiful spring :-).
    Many thanks for adding our blog to your watchlist of blogs.
    Have a happy day, David!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tinie30 April 2014 at 16:14

    Beautiful series which I the second one very beautiful place.

    Groetjes Tinie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Noushka1 May 2014 at 05:28

    Hi David,
    The Red-winged Blackbird is absolutely superb!
    I love its attitude!
    The fact it is deep black brings out the orange-red color stunningly!
    From what I read about the species, it seems to be quite common in the US but the last 2 winters took a serious toll on their numbers... I heard they had fallen dead from branches in at least one state because of severe frost, is is true?
    Cheerio, keep well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David M. Gascoigne,1 May 2014 at 18:30

      I hadn't heard about their demise, Noushka, but it wouldn't surprise me given the severity of the past winter. It is a fairly hardy species and generally a few even overwinter here in southern Ontario.

      Delete
    2. Noushka4 May 2014 at 03:11

      Thanks for your reply David!
      It has been quite disastrous here too for about 3 years.... :(

      Delete
  6. Phil Slade1 May 2014 at 05:52

    I can almost hear that Red-winged Blackbird, a truly unique and evocative sound of the reeds as you picture it. I just love that bird and can't get enough of it on North American blogs. Seems it's one of those birds that is so common that it tends to be ignored or overlooked, just like some species over here.

    We're off to Sunny Spain tomorrow. Hope to catch up with you soon David.

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  7. Helma2 May 2014 at 13:37

    Your second photo I really super nice David. Also your other ducks to me again virij unknown but very nice that I know them learn :-)

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  8. damian4 May 2014 at 15:36


    Kaczki przepiękne, miło popatrzeć na nie :)

    Pozdrawiam/ Greets

    ReplyDelete
  9. Richard Pegler5 May 2014 at 03:43

    I've often wondered how the Ring-necked Duck got its name. They might be common over there but they cause quite a stir when seen over here!!

    I had no idea that the Red-winged Blackbird could put on such a magnificent display - beautifully captured by yourself, David.

    ReplyDelete

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