Tuesday Rambles with David - Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

06 March 2018

     On all of our other jaunts to this gem of a birding spot Franc and Carol were away, so this was the first time they have been able to join us at this location. Mary was ailing a little; other than that our whole crew was together.

    We are now at that time of the year when winter residents and spring migrants are present at the same time. American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) is among the most attractive species that spends the winter here. Soon they will be moving north to their arctic breeding grounds.

     A little bird seed strewed along the fence rail is guaranteed to bring them out, often accompanied by House Sparrows (Passer domesticus).

     Male House Sparrows are in full nuptial regalia now and this individual was exceptionally handsome.

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are also still with us and they too will soon be leaving the area, not to be seen again until Fall.

     What would a walk through a southern Ontario woodland be without a friendly Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) to enliven the stroll?

     Of course, it is not only birds that take advantage of the handout from humans, and this American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) wasted no time in claiming his share.

     In my opinion this is one of the most attractive little squirrels in all the world.

     The Speed River was swollen and flowing rapidly so there were not many species fighting the current. This pair of Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) was the exception.
     Common Grackle (Quiculus quiscula) has returned in good numbers and this fine portrait by Miriam really captures the phenomenal iridescence of the male's plumage.

      Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a very common resident and at Riverside Park it seems to be particularly emboldened, not hesitating to join the other species on the fence rail. This female was close by, descending from time to time to snatch a few seeds.

     White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) are similarly common and they will even feed from the hand.

     Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are already claiming and defending territories, waiting for females to arrive. 

     There seemed to be some evidence that House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) are pairing off and this couple stuck together.

     The males seem to be especially handsome this year.

     A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) patrolled the sky, ultimately joined by a second bird, although it was unclear if this was a pair.

     A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is surely one of the most delicately plumaged of our native species. It is not hard to understand why doves have always been considered symbols of peace, and have been used throughout history in myriad human rituals. So often they can be observed sitting quietly alongside each other, but they can be quarrelsome and aggressive when the occasion demands it.

     There were many Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) present and courtship singing by males is already well advanced.

     It was Francine who noticed how closely this snag resembled a bird and after she posted it to her Facebook page people had fun coming up with whimsical names.

     Here are just a few: Stump Grouse, Buffy-cheeked Woodbird, Dull-brown Stump Jumper, Wooded Pecker, Willow Wood Pigeon.

     Maybe you can come up with your own.

All species: Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Dark-eyed Junco, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Cardinal 
Total: 20.