Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Tuesday Rambles with David, Burlington/Hamilton

12 June 2018

     As every birder knows, when the birds are well into their breeding cycle, and the males are quiet, and every waking moment is spent provisioning young in the nest, birding is slow! But we still go out to enjoy what we can find, and to enjoy nature in all its summer glory.
     Seven of our regular "gang of eight" spent a very pleasant day together, beginning at Woodland Cemetery in Burlington. This is a very old cemetery with many mature trees and has been a favoured spot for birders for as long as I can remember.



     It is certainly the kind of place one would be surprised not to find a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis).


     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is an early (and prolific) breeder, routinely having two broods, and often three, so juvenile birds evolving into full independence were to be expected.



     As I have mentioned in previous posts Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) seem to be especially ubiquitous this year and several were heard and seen at the cemetery.



     This friendly Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) was busy working inside a hole in a tree, seemingly excavating the interior, but we could not be sure.


     To no one's surprise Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were easy to find.


     From Woodland Cemetery it is but a short drive down to Grindstone Creek where an interesting range of species can generally be found.


     The unchallenged "star of the show" was Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) with several individuals putting on a textbook demonstration of tern flight and fishing prowess. We were all captivated and I think that Franc's camera was smoking as he fired off frame after frame.





     A few Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) were on the wires and some were seen nesting under a bridge.



     American Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) were also seen flying out from under the bridge, but we could not see any nests, possibly because it was impossible without getting in the water to see all the way underneath. In the past I have seen both species nesting in close proximity so it is quite possible that they are coexisting here. Franc did well to capture one of these feathered bullets in flight.


     It was quite a day for hirundines actually and Miriam photographed a Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) on the wire.


     Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) also joined in the aerial acrobatics and landed briefly in front of us.


     
     Canada Geese(Branta canadensis) were seen all around, many in family groups. This pair escorted two goslings, leading me to think that heavy predation had occurred since this species routinely lays six eggs, and sometimes as many as ten. Young goslings are easy targets for foxes, coyotes, hawks and others, despite the best efforts of the parents to defend their young.




     The goslings here are much bigger and have adult type plumage; and one more than the previous group survived the rigours of goose infancy.


     A Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sepedon) sped through the water in sinuous motion. 


     We expected it to slither up onto a rock to bask in the warm sun but it never did and we lost sight of it.
     A Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) flew back and forth over the bay for a while and several times made as if to plunge, but it finally departed to try its luck elsewhere.


     Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) are usually numerous at this location, but today we saw relatively few. Swimming, perched or flying, this species presents a study in grace.


     Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were calling all around and even though some males were still displaying most of the females seemed already to be preoccupied with breeding.





     We found a picnic table in a shaded spot and enjoyed a pleasant lunch, following which we went over to Princess Point, a segment of the Cootes Paradise wetland complex, to scout out the trails there.



     Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) in small numbers were spotted here and there.


     And American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) was quite common.


     There are several tracts of grassland at Princess Point and this Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) was right at home there.


     It is rare today to see Tree Swallows nesting in natural cavities, most taking up occupancy in nest boxes provided by caring humans. Thus, it was with great delight that we came across this pair nesting in a hole in a tree. If you look carefully you can see that the male has captured a dragonfly, a remarkable prey item for a Tree Swallow, and is delivering it to the nest.



     It was doubly exciting when we discovered a second natural cavity nesting situation. I don't ever remember this happening twice in the same day.



     Another familiar cavity-nesting species is White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis).




     We assumed that this female Northern Cardinal was already actively seeking food along with her mate to satisfy hungry mouths back at the nest.


     Perhaps this is equally true for this female American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla).


     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in flight is always a dramatic sight; hearkening back to the dawn of avian life on earth it seems; prehistoric, yet beautiful and grand.


     A Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) was seen probing for food along the shore.


     And Franc also managed to capture an individual in flight.


     If you have seen a Spotted Sandpiper in flight you will know how rapidly the wings flutter in a characteristic frenzied, jerky motion, and you will appreciate the skill involved in freezing the wings like this.
     We saw both adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) and I think the crowd-pleasing performance of this juvenile winds up the day perfectly. No further commentary is needed from me!






     I hope you are glad that you came along for the ride.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

40 comments:

  1. Hello, wonderful sightings and report. The Baltimore Oriole and the last few shots of the Night Heron are my favorites. They are all great photos. Enjoy your day!

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  2. A fruitful walk. Interesting life in the cemetery.

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  3. I certainly enjoyed the ride. Those Baltimore Oriole shots are awesome. They are such a bright colorful bird. Happy Wednesday!

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  4. Beautiful birds, some are flying, some are swimming with their chick. Fantastic photographs.

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  5. Me encantan las aves y las fotos son preciosas.

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  6. Beautiful photos, David. The Poecile atricappillus is very similar to our Parus major.

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  7. Hi Both,
    What a wonderful ride to come along on, some super images by Franc and Miriam.
    Always fond of the Northern Cardinal and where else to find it.
    Franc's flight images are superb.
    All the best, John

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  8. The photos of the tern are spectacular. And, I confess, I love a chipmunk :)

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  9. A great selection of birds. Really envy the Caspian Terns: a mega rarity where I live.........

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    Replies
    1. It's a common summer resident and breeder here.

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  10. A tidy cemetery and beautiful birds.

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  11. After a very busy and stressful day I am so very glad to have come along for the ride. Heart balm. Thank you.

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  12. What a wonderful day's birding and a superb set of images. Cemeteries and churchyards can be such good places for birds. Thank you so much for recommending "A Year in the Meadow"- my second hand copy has arrived and I am looking forward to reading it - it looks a super book.

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  13. Hi David.

    It is enjoying all the beautiful things that you show.
    Thank you for showing.

    Groettie from Patricia.

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  14. Hi David!!!.. Excellent series of pictures .. Congrats and greetings

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  15. Excellent, All the good stuff is there! I have only birded around my yard since arriving home to merciless humidity and many yard chores to catch up on, so nice to be out and about with your crew.

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  16. Replies
    1. It's an interesting juxtaposition I hadn't thought of, Gunilla.

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  17. Here you have wonderful series David.
    Very special to see that snake in the water.
    Greetings Tinie

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  18. wow!!! wonderful captures...for me, the star of the show was the baltimore orioles. they are a favorite of mine and the pictures have exceptional clarity!! all of your flight images are exceptional as well, i had a bald eagle flying around my backyard a few days back and i could not get one good image. but the excitement was pretty real!!!

    it's always nice to see the little ones!!

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    Replies
    1. Little ones are always cute, huh? Kids or critters.

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  19. Hola David, enhorabuena para todos, vuestro trabajo es maravilloso, preciosa serie de fotos. Abrazos.

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  20. El reportaje es increíble tanto por la calidad, variedad y cantidad de fotos.
    David gracias por tus comentarios en mi blog. Conozco generalmente los nombres vulgares y algunos científicos de los insectos, pero además de no ser lo que más me interesa, tampoco tengo mucho tiempo...
    Feliz viernes!
    Un abrazp

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  21. Hi David - amazing shots by Franc and Miriam ... so wonderful to see close up. Also excellent to have the names. It's a wonderful area you live in ... close by some great birding areas of many varied colours ... cheers Hilary

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  22. Hi David,
    you start of by saying: "birding is slow" and go on, showing us a great number of beautiful bird sighting, as I understand you saw in only one day!!
    Pictures of the tree swallow at the nest are very special!
    But the whole series are a pleasure to watch.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  23. What a wonderful day you enjoyed, the photographs you've shared are amazing, and I have spent many moments scrolling up and down enjoying them.

    Thank you

    All the best Jan

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  24. Cemetery's are real hubs for wildlife especially the older ones, we have so many here and they are a joy to walk through!

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  25. So much see....beautiful series of photos.
    Thank you. Happy weekend!

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  26. What a fantastic collection of photos! You saw so many different species :)

    Thanks for all the comments you've left me recently - I'm sorry I've not had chance yet to visit your blog properly. Life has been a bit crazy of late but I will pop back when I have some free time.

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  27. Definately glad I came along for the ride even if a day or so late. Fabulous photos as ever. Keep well Diane

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  28. Precioso reportaje, maravillosas fotos y preciosos pájaros y aves. No se puede pedir más.
    Un saludo amigo

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  29. David - in my year or so in the blogging world, I have become acquainted with a number of birders, and I am always SO impressed with the pictures and the variety. Every time I am more inspired to improve my birding skills … perhaps when life slows down a bit. Hah! It is hard to choose a favorite among these, but I'll put my vote with the Oriole. And yes, I am VERY glad I came along for the ride, including the belly laugh at the end!

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  30. Ohhh ........ I am really green when I see these beautiful pictures !!!!!
    All these birds are amazing. The birds in flight are phenomenal!
    The last photos of the euhhhh ...... shit photo also meant that he just "shit" to whahahahahahaha ... great!
    My compliments with these super nice birds and photos.

    xxx

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  31. What a range of birds you caught on camera! While I really do need to improve my bird ID skill, I think I can reliably say that the variety in my immediate environment is far more limited.

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  32. Wow. I mean WOW! That caspian tern is glorious and so are those tree swallows. But every photo, every sighting was a gem. You all must have been in seventh heaven! Bravo one and all.

    And David, thanks for your comments! I'm moderating now so it sometimes takes a bit for it to show up on the page. I hope to go back to not moderating when Blogger gets its act figured out. Or I do.

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  33. An amazing day of birding as always I would take your 'slow' season any time. Especially love (and envy) the swallow portraits and the flight shots. Our latest trip was not very 'birdy' at all..... but we got to visit with family and that really was most important. Hope to be out on the walking paths again -- as soon as we finish getting "Oregon'ized.

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  34. Enjoyed the ride...nice to see familiar Caspian Tern over there, too !

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  35. I enjoyed reading the story of the "flock of seven", seeing the diversity of beautiful species portrayed in beautiful photos. It shows a lot that the place is a real sanctuary for wildlife. The company where I work that is the Cooperativa Eléctrica de Monte plays an important social role in our community, not only is dedicated to electrical energy but also has the items of telephone, burial and park cemetery. Our cemetery is not old, barely should reach the two decades but is chosen by several species of birds, the most general for now but eventually more birds will arrive, a while ago I made birding over ther and later some talks with partners who work there.

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  36. amazing series of images. capturing moving subjects, specially when it is from distance is no easy task (for me). you did great job freezing the movement, but I also liked how you froze Barn Swallow but its wings are in motion.

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  37. Splendid photos!
    The colors of the Baltimore Orioles are so beautiful.
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Greetings
    Maria
    Divagar Sobre Tudo um Pouco

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