Monday, February 18, 2019

Great Backyard Bird Count 2019

16 February 2019

        One of my favourite days of the year is the annual Waterloo Region Nature Great Backyard Bird Count, organized by our good friend Mary Ann Vanden Elzen. 
     This is birding with ease on a scale scarcely to be imagined by birders who willingly bushwhack through thorn bushes, endure repressive heat and freezing rain, slog through swamps and bogs, suffer mosquito bites and bee stings, get wet feet, cold hands, pee in the bush. We visit people's houses, they give us food and drink, and we watch the birds through their windows! Who can pass up this kind of opportunity? On top of everything else it was a gorgeous winter's day with bright sunshine and the temperature a very pleasant minus 6.5 degrees, the kind of day when one might cherish winter forever.
     Our first stop was at the lovely home, on the lovely property, of Jim Cappelman and Irene Simpson, gracious and friendly as always, perfect hosts in every way. They have opened up their home and dispensed their huge dose of kindness in this way for years.
     Mojo, their friendly poodle, did the rounds and said hello to everyone, and following that exhausting activity, decided to take a rest. After all how could anyone be interested in birds when Mojo was there to snuggle with?



     Soon everyone fortified themselves with the beverage of their choice (tea, coffee or hot cider), got some snacks, and looked through the windows at the array of bird feeders, all topped up and primed for our visit.




     


     Many Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) were present; some feeding together.....



  ....... and this one preferring to dine alone.



     As might be expected enterprising squirrels were there to take advantage of every opportunity to get their share - or more than their share perhaps.



     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) were perky as always, seeming to typify winter in Ontario, and there were many individuals in an array of plumage, both male and female, handling snow and cold with aplomb.





     What is very familiar in Ontario? What still causes our happiness hormones to surge a little? A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) of course! 



     We saw both male and female, but the female, ever coquettish, never came into the open to be photographed. No doubt this handsome male will soon be singing lustily from a treetop perch and we will know that spring is on its way.
     What would a feeding station next to mixed forest be without a friendly Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)?



     A Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is always a favourite. 



     That's a bit of an oxymoron actually. They are all favourites!
     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) often surprises novice birders with its tiny size, and we had both male and female up close for everyone to observe.




      One always wishes to stay longer, but the lure (and the time commitment) to be at the next location beckons. As we were  putting on our coats at the front door, this male Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) lit on one of the feeders just outside the windows. Miriam made this fabulous picture from close to ten metres away, through the glass.



     It was a remarkable way to say goodbye, and along with a farewell lick from Mojo, we were out the door and on our way.
     Thank you again Jim and Irene. In the pantheon of special friends your name is inscribed in gold!

All species at the Casselman/Simpson palace: Mourning Dove, Hawk sp., Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal.

     Our second stop was at SpruceHaven, the first time that Dave Westfall, and Jamie and Sandy Hill had hosted the event.




     Their hospitality was first rate, as we knew it would be, and there were copious quantities of food and drink for everyone to enjoy. Most of our party had visited SpruceHaven before, but for some it was their first time.



     Jamie had all the feeders well stocked and the birds cooperated.
     It is a given, at this time of year, that many of the species will be the same as at the other venues, but all species are not present everywhere. Several Downy Woodpeckers visited the various feeders around the house, very familiar but always delightful.




     We were inside, toasty and warm, eating and drinking and bird watching. 



     Does it get any better? I don't think so!
     Cathi Stewart, who runs our club's Facebook page, had never seen an American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) and was especially happy to see one quite close, permitting its subtle beauty to be fully appreciated.



     Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) seem to be inordinately fond of peanuts in the shell and were attracted to a circular wire feeder filled with them. Perhaps this one was waiting its turn.



     Paul Bigelow was the only person who saw Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) but before he could alert anyone to take a picture they had removed themselves from sight.
     American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) were quite common and several were already starting to develop extensive tracts of yellow breeding plumage.



     Mourning Doves were plentiful, as might be expected, and this one appears to be taking a drink at the open water in the centre of the pond behind the house.



     For one Mourning Dove, however, life was about to end. In a fearsome burst of speed and predatory efficiency, a Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), nailed one of them on the ground.




     It was a stunning display, and provided some observers with a first time experience of this drama which is played out daily. The entire cycle of life is based on a predator/prey relationship. As one friend of mine once pointed out, robins are predators of worms.
     This incident was certainly the "major event" of the day, and was even being discussed on line this morning.
     Finally, I found this cartoon which Sandy had clipped from a newspaper very amusing. I hope you do too.



    The sincere thanks of everyone who enjoyed superb hospitality is rendered to Dave, Sandy and Jamie. We hope you will invite us back next year.

All species at the Sprucehaven mansion:  Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal.

     Our final stop, as in previous years, was at the home of Alan and Brenda Holvey in suburban Kitchener, where a wonderful level of hospitality and generosity of spirit was bestowed upon us all.



     Feeders had been set up at the front of the house so that we could observe the birds from the comfort of the living room.



     From the back, it seemed entirely appropriate, that we could watch youngsters skating on a rink in the park, about as quintessential a Canadian scene as one could imagine.



     Brenda and Alan provided pizza for lunch, as they do each year, and even though we had been munching all morning it seemed that we all looked forward to, and very much enjoyed the pizza. There was lots too, anyone who wanted to get more was free to refill his/her plate.
     I am sure that in terms of watching the birds (our stated mission) we were slacking off. It seems that Pat, Mary Ann and Betty were involved with each other and the pizza!



     I glanced outside once in a while and called out a bird to Paul, our official recorder, but I was certainly not diligent. And with good reason I think. We had the most interesting conversations one could imagine, discussing everything from the intelligence of corvids, to science versus faith, the threats to environmentalism in the U.S under Trump, books we have read, poetry, and a whole host of other topics. It was fun, convivial and I think that in the process we all learned a lot, and we got to know each other better. Alan and Brenda's contributions were especially appealing with anecdotes from their long and interesting life together, spent in several different countries.
     It was a wonderful end to a wonderful day.

All species at the Holvey Hospitality Haven: Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Finch, House Sparrow.

     Thanks for organizing the event Mary Ann. I am already looking forward to next year.

David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

51 comments:

  1. Fantastic. Telling the story of the day. I love the tree sparrow picture. You couldn't see it's head in any of mine!

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  2. It must be so nice to stay inside warm and cozy, and watch all the birds. The Blue Jay is always my favorite because I love the blue color, David. Here we have a blue tit, and it's the only blue bird around here I think.

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  3. Hello, this sounds like an enjoyable way to do the backyard bird count. I wouldn't need to eat for the rest of the day after snacking at everyone's home. I love the American Tree Sparrow and the Cooper's Hawk photos are awesome. Great sightings and photos. Enjoy your day!

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  4. Wow I am surprised that you saw so many diffent birds in that weather. I would have been home snuggled up by the fire!!! Sadly we missed the French bird count this year 26/27 January - we only arrived home on the 30th! Next year I hope we will be here as I missed it. Keep warm, Diane

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    1. "That weather," as you put it, is just about perfect for a February day in Ontario. There were many other species that we might have seen.

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  5. Hari OM
    An impressive count, I must say - and most convivial too!!! YAM xx

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  6. 'You all had such a great day. The photos are beautiful.

    I claim the cardinal as my own. Nothing is more amazing than a cardinal through the snow.

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  7. A completely different climate from Costa Rica and the birds are wonderful. I love the American Tree Sparrow, more colorful than the ones I can observe in my garden.

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    1. It really is a gorgeous little creature. It looks quite delicate but it is tough and survives the winter here. In fact it is only present during the winter months following which it moves farther north.

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  8. Perfecto y buen reportaje amigo David, y mucho más, cuando uno está acompañado de gente interesante y sumamente amable, no se puede pedir más. Un día muy bien aprovechado porque a decir verdad se pudieron ver y fotografiar algunas especies interesantes.
    Los comederos instalados para ayudar en lo posible en esos días de invierno a esos pájaros hablan muy a favor de vuestros queridos amigos.
    Recibir un fuerte abrazo de vuestro amigo Juan.

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  9. Such a wonderful array of different species to see and certainly to admire. A joy to visit your blog.

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  10. Sounds like a fantastic time to spend with fellow birders. Good food, great company and lovely birds to view.

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  11. Hi Both,
    This is bird watching perfection, plenty of birds to view, nice and warm in the house with copious amounts of food and drink, count me in.
    Super images of the Cooper's Hawk, not so lucky however for the Mourning Dove.
    Everyone appears to have had an enjoyable time, even the Poodle.
    All the best, John

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    1. We'll be doing it again next year, John. All are welcome!

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  12. That's the way to do it for sure...

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  13. David - I am sure the demise of the Mourning Dove was tough for some, but what a unique event to witness firsthand! I enjoyed your storytelling and the bird photos in equal measure - you lead a wonderfully social life as you go about the world in search of the next bird! Thanks for sharing it all with us!

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  14. Bonjour,

    Je suis certaine que vous avez passé tous ensemble un agréable moment de partage...

    Merci pour l'ensemble de toutes ces magnifiques photos d'emplumés...


    Gros bisous 🌸

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  15. What a very civilised way to enjoy the birds.

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  16. Vilken trevlig tradition att samlas runt, inte bara fågelliv utan också ett innehåll av vad jag förstår, en uppskattad social samvaro. Många fina bilder blev det också, jag ser likheten med flera av fåglarna som vi har här vintertid, släktskapet är mycket tydligt. Kusiner kanske?

    I går anlände ormvråken, alltid först av alla men i år är den nog tre veckor tidigare än normalt. Jag var ute i trädgården några timmar och de första svanarna passerade över mig, ivrigt konverserande som alltid. Februari brukar vara vår kallaste vintermånad men nu är snön borta och temperaturen håller sig runt +8 grader. Tänker på fåglarna om det kommer ett hårt bakslag av kyla vilket är troligt, vi får se.

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  17. What a wonderful way to carry out your Great Backyard Bird Count, and how successful it was too.
    When we do our garden bird count we do it alone, so perhaps we should consider making a party of it like you do.
    Several of your birds bare a strong resemblance to many of ours except of course the lovely red Cardinal. What a joy that must be to see in the garden set off against a snowy scene. Clever photo of the mourning doves feeding together where they appear to be in profile due to their snowy surround.

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  18. what a great group of people, all with the same interest. i don't have this birding camaraderie with "real" friends, just the blogging community, but i feel lucky to have that. i am sure if i did a little research, i could find a group like this in my area!

    i heard about this event, and should have participated myself from home but i am still not getting much action at my feeders. i have a similar situation as your friends, i am able to take all of my pictures from inside my house. were all of the pictures taken through the glass, or did you have open windows??

    such an amazing array of birds, miriam's pictures are beautiful, i think the red bellied woodpecker was my favorite!!!

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    1. I would encourage you always to participate, Debbie, whatever you are seeing. Knowing about low numbers is important in measuring the abundance and distribution of species.

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  19. Goodness me. Aren't you all so organised? With so many species on show, I can see why this day is so special to everyone. And of course, if anyone should get bored and isn't really into birds, there's always the food.

    I'm stuck in for a day or two with half-term etc and when I look at the birds here in our garden it's 99% Goldfinch, the remainder one or two Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin and Wren. Nothing like the variety and colour that your Ontario gardens hold, despite your relentless cold and snow.

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  20. Una forma interesante y bonita de ver a los pájaros, todos me gustan. Yo estaría feliz. Besitos

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  21. Hi David - it sounds a delightful day and definitely one to look forward to each year. Wonderful array of photos you've given us - Miriam's catching ... great as always. I do love the Chickadee in your header, but the American Tree Sparrow is really pretty ... the Hawk had a good day and I'm sure needed it. It does look a glorious day - and a great range of topics were discussed ... lovely post and a satisfactory bird count - cheers Hilary

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  22. Such a civilised way of birdwatching, David. The social aspects are wonderful, but I would fear for your waistlines if it happened on a more frequent basis. My very best wishes to you and Miriam - - - - Richard

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    1. You are right, Richard, you couldn't do this every day. I think I had a cookie, a small butter tart, and two pieces of banana bread before I even got to the pizza! But then I slogged about four km through the snow this morning at minus 8 degrees so perhaps I worked off some of it.

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  23. Your friends all have fine views for winter birding in comfort. No surprises in our yard this year for the event. Mostly lots and lots of gold and house finches eating is out of house and home. Even our barred owl was a no-show.

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  24. I do wish we have something like this here, I would love to do it, I enjoy reading your posts of the day.

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  25. What a wonderful idea - it sounds a very special day with so many super birds seen :) The discussion on the final visit sounds interesting :)

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  26. Fantástica manera de pasar un buen día con amigos observando la naturaleza,David. Las fotos espectaculares, difícil quedarse con una. Gracias por compartir tan variada selección de pájaros que por aquí no se ven.
    Buen muiércoles.
    Un abrazo.

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  27. What a wonderful way to do bird watching (and counting): beautiful homes, with large windows, good company and good food! The photos are great, as always, and indeed all birds are favourites, but also for me those even more favourites would be the blue jays with their lovely colour.
    I liked the cartoon, hoping of course I understood it correctly...
    Happy birding!

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    1. I am sure you understand it perfectly, Sara. Your English is better than some people I know here.

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  28. Dit is echt heel mooi. Gesprekken zijn waardevol, evenals het observeren van vogels.

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  29. Quite a wealth of birds! Mojo has a pretty good idea- naps are always in order.

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  30. What a fabulous way to bird count. As always I totally enjoyed the breeds captured. All so new to me.
    Re not a lot of counting at the 3rd house, taking time to get to know one another is just as important as the counting I should think.
    I participated in the Oz backyard bird count last year. I think it was in October over 5 days. Totally boring given this experience and there was no snow on the ground!

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    1. Ah, but you had parrots, and friarbirds, fairy-wrens and bowerbirds perhaps....not too bad if you ask me!

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  31. This looks like the most fun event! No freezing fingers as you hold the camera and try desperately to get the best photo! And for once in your glorious posts, I'm seeing birds I actually see here at my feeders and about! Now THAT's almost a first! Your hosts really knew how to throw a welcoming event and to be in the company of like-minded people had to be great fun.

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  32. Actually - pelican, kookaburra, magpie, noisy miner, storm bird, ibis, lorrikeet parrots, corella parrots, cormorant, blue faced honey eater, plover, cuckoo shrike, butcher bird, pee wee but our delightful fairy wrens were absent.

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    1. Makes me want to come back to Australia right now!

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  33. Nice collection of bird photos from the bird count. I haven't seen so many doves together in a long time.

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  34. That is a great place to count the birds from David. And birds you did see. For me the woodpeckers are the top for me in this blog. It must be great fun to count birds with people that enjoy the same thing as you do.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  35. Lots of lovely photographs here. Snow makes such a wonderful background. How great that such kind people share your interest and offer hospitality. The Downy Woodpecker was perhaps the prettiest, but the photo of the Coopers Hawk was really special.

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  36. Qué bueno es ver una reunión con amantes de la naturaleza y las aves, disfrutar en esa magnífica casa y observar tranquilamente detrás de los ventanales a las aves que se acercan a los comederos, es cierto que todas son favoritas , pero como quizás ya sabes mi debilidad son los pájaros carpinteros, en especial el Melanerpes carolinus. Impactante el registro de la rapaz matando una paloma, quizás los comederos para las aves también atraigan a sus depredadores

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    1. There is no question, Hernán, that certain raptors, especially accipiters have benefitted greatly from the proliferation of bird feeders.

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  37. It's a very good idea to do this bird country with everybody.

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    1. Obviously you will have to come here next February, Nathalie, and join in. Then the next day we will go out and find Snowy Owls!

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  38. Watching birds is fun, but it's even better with a drink in hand - as you have illustrated here.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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