9 June 2016
Our garden has been a bit of a work in progress of late, mulch has had to be replaced, new gravel paths installed and the regular work of spring planting and cleaning up had to be done too. A few random shots follow.
And her are a few additional shots taken from the bedroom window.
The water in the bird bath is discoloured by airborne pollen and the like, but the birds actually seem to prefer it over clean, fresh water. After we change it, it doesn't take long to restore it to their liking!
American Goldfinches Spinus tristis are probably the most frequent and most common visitors to our feeders.
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| American Goldfinch - male |
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| American Goldfinch - males |
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| American Goldfinch - females
In years past Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula has been a sporadic visitor, but this year they seem to have to discovered the feeders and are very adept at feeding from all of them.
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The Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata is the unquestioned king of the peanut feeder and can extract a snack in record time.
I don't think we ever look out without seeing a Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura and we have a soft spot in our hearts for these delicate, lovely birds.
This female House Sparrow Passer domesticus seemed reluctant to face us, perhaps because I had modified the nest box which was occupied by sparrows last year to prevent their entry and make it suitable for Black-capped Chickadees Poecile atricapillus who successfully raised a brood, now fledged and gone from the yard.
What would a suburban backyard in southern Ontario be without a squirrel or two?
House Finches Haemorhous mexicanus are also common patrons of the feeders although in nowhere near the numbers of American Goldfinch.
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| House Finch - male at left, female at right. |
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| House Finch - female |
Other species visit, of course; these pictures are from the half hour or so I spent capturing them yesterday. Today is forecast to be fine and sunny so we'll be having lunch on the patio. Who knows what else we might see?
Your garden is looking very good after your spruce up David. Great to be entertained by so many colourful birds. You have a greedy Grackle and we have noisy Ring-necked Parakeets hogging the feeders!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty amazing that the parakeets have taken over to such an extent.
DeleteQue suerte tener un jardín tan bello y tan lleno de aves y ardillas, me produce envidia sana, jejeje. Precioso reportaje, un fuerte abrazo desde España.
ReplyDeleteCome on over and enjoy the garden with us. A glass of wine awaits you!
DeleteYou have a neat garden, David, and given the number of birds that's the right way.
ReplyDeleteExcept for the house sparrow, I do not know any of the species in your photos. They are beautiful. I wish you a nice weekend. Gr Jan W
Thank you, Jan. I consider that a great compliment coming from a garden expert such as yourself.
DeleteNice garden, nice birds...........
ReplyDeleteDearest David,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a rather small intimate garden where birds feel right at home!
Lucky for having that many American gold finches.
The male House Finch must have shifted from its place since you posted as it is definitely on the left now!
Enjoy your garden and some more out door living because of it; aside from your birding trips.
Happy weekend and hugs,
Mariette
Thanks, Mariette. It's amazing how you can reread a post and still not notice an error! My wife read it too, of course. The correction is now made.
DeleteYou're quite welcome. Guess it's because I've done so many proof readings for Pieter's publications. It also shows you that I really do read your posts!
DeleteHappy weekend to you both.
Mariette
Bonjour David,
ReplyDeleteOui un jardin c'est du boulot, on fait et on re fait ! Mais quel plaisir pour nous aussi. Votre chardonneret est très très beau. Et mon copain le geai bleu, je l'aime bien aussi :)
Bonne journée cher ami
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteThis is still a nice spot of the garden.
Beautiful birds get there.
Squirrel is really fun.
Groettie from Patricia.
For your garden beautiful birds arrive. They are not in my country, it is a pity, because they are beautiful. Your garden must be wonderful, because it is visited by many birds and animals. Bravo!!! I am a lover of organic life, and I really like the ecological gardens. I visit you with great pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is lovely, nice and tidy.
ReplyDeleteFinches are pretty as are the others.
Hello David, your garden and flowers are lovely. A wonderful habitat for the birds and wildlife. My favorite birds are the Goldfinches and the sweet doves. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteyour garden looks fine and wonderful for the birds. So beautiful to see them all in your photos.
Best regards, Synnöve
I guess you are into the June Doldrums too? How soon does spring arrive than it is over and we are back to wishing autumn was here to see migrants return?
ReplyDeleteYou made me do a double take there when I saw a chaffinch - check it out.
You are obviously taking about the female goldfinch on the left in the picture above - it really does look like a female chaffinch. Now if it really was....................
DeleteHi. Just an awesome garden. And truly stunning visitors.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very beautiful garden David, and I enjoyed all the photos of the flowers and of those pretty birds. Thank you for visiting my blog and for leaving such a kind comment. I truly do feel those little fox cubs are a gift. I am told they will move on in a couple of weeks. I will miss them when they leave :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Garden David,I could spend a lot time here,I must catch up on ours.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Your garden looks nice and cozy from David.
ReplyDeleteThere are beautiful birds there, which we did not all see.
The squirrel, I would like to see in my garden.
Greetings Tinie
Beautiful garden and wonderful birds too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely garden David always lots of work to be done.But when the job is done it must be a joy to have a meal in it. At the moment I am in France at my brother. So it will be a while untill I post a new blok. Enjoy your summer.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
Your garden looks very nice with plenty of colour.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see all the birds who visit, and the squirrel too!
All the best Jan
Lovely garden.. You´re lucky :-)))
ReplyDeleteI think so.
DeleteA super looking garden, David. You once, I seem to remember, described it as naturalised, and I imagined it to rather 'wild' in its appearance. However, it seems to be very well ordered and immaculately kept. What great birds you have visiting too. I'm just thinking that, with current trends, we might have to be asking you for some of our Passer domesticus back again. They're not doing well in UK.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be catching up with your blog so late. We've been away in the New Forest with Melanie and Georgie, celebrating my 70th birthday, and then came home on Friday to floods around our house. We're currently having our third flood since our return, and I'm spending much of my time clearing up and making sure that the drains stay unblocked. I wish our garden looked as neat and tidy as yours. The rain has wrecked a lot of the plants and shrubs.
We're not doing so badly with the birds, however. I think that they're only too pleased to have somewhere where they can easily find food during the deluge!
Love to you both - - - Richard
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog with flowers birds and animals.
I love the squirrel and the birds are amazing.
Best regards, Irma
Your garden is so beautiful !! I can see that the birds also love your garden !
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos !!
Have a happy weekend :)