This post is a bit of a potpourri, with pictures drawn from those taken over the past week or so. There is no real theme here, but I hope you will enjoy them anyway.
13 March 2021
A while ago we noticed a little clump of Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) in the backyard - and we didn't plant them, so we can only assume that a squirrel buried bulbs for later consumption and forgot about them.
They are delightful and we are grateful to the squirrel. I won't even swear at it again when it is swinging from one of my bird feeders!
I wonder if this Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) shared our enthusiasm?
Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are daily visitors to our feeders and this male was packing on some calories.
It's hard work after all when you have to fly all the way to the top of a tree and sing your heart out to a fickle female!
As the lakes and streams of our area become ice free, Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) are found throughout the region. On an afternoon drive through the countryside we spotted this handsome male.
He seemed keen to hook up with the first girl that came his way, and they swam off together, the very model of a happy couple.
14 March 2021
Miriam needed to visit a fabric store, so we combined that errand with a stop in Cambridge along the Grand River.
A Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) had found a tasty morsel in the water, and gobbled it down quickly as others made a bee line for it with piracy on their minds.
16 March 2021
American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) are gradually acquiring their nuptial plumage after spending the winter in drab olive attire.
For a good part of the winter Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) have been a fixture in our yard, taking full advantage of the Gascoigne/Bauman food bank. Sometimes as many as twenty-five of these charming visitors would arrive together, always well-mannered, never (well almost never) displaying the truculence of other species. They seem to have departed for their breeding grounds, but one individual remains and can be relied upon to visit several times a day to sample what's on offer.
17 March 2021
Over several years we have had sporadic visits from a Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinensis) but this year a male (we assume it is always the same bird) has found our quarters exactly to his liking and can be relied upon to keep us company.
What a handsome fellow he is!
Miriam went for a stroll around the neighbourhood and saw this American Crow (Corvus brachyrynchus) with a very large bone, trying to winkle out the marrow.
On the same day I spent the afternoon at SpruceHaven with a crew of volunteers as we installed some new nest boxes, replaced others that had been damaged, and generally prepared for the upcoming breeding season.
Linda, Marg, Peter. Michelle, Bryan, Natalie, Jamie, Jim
We were as busy as proverbial beavers.
The tall fellow at the left of the picture is Jim Huffman. How we would do all of this without Jim is something I don't even wish to contemplate! To his right are Jason and Steph who arrive just a little after we had taken the group picture above.
As you can see Jim is about to ascend the ladder, drill in hand. Brian is holding the ladder and Linda is doing a fine job of gazing aloft. We are a willing and dedicated supporting cast!
Natalie looks pensive, no doubt enjoying her first visit to Sprucehaven and enjoying the scintillating company of our eclectic cast of characters!
And Michelle looks the very image of the suaveness of youth, with her sunglasses reflecting my image as I took her picture.
There will be much work to be done as our season gets underway, and I appreciate the support these volunteers provide so unstintingly.
What a pleasure it is to know them all.
.jpg)
Natalie is wearing a very suitable birders mask.
ReplyDeleteThe snowdrops that arrived unexpectedly in your garden are an added bonus. My problem is the things that disappear from the garden. Yesterday I watched a munkjac consuming all of my Bergenias but I didn't have the heart to shoe it away especially when it looked at me through the window with a mouth crammed full of pink blossom.
Hope that the vaccine appointment went well for you both.
Your snowdrops are beautiful, David. They can also be spread from seeds. Anyway they bright up your garden!
ReplyDeleteThen perhaps the seeds were carried in on the feet of birds, Marit. How appropriate that would be!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI'll take a pot pourri from the bird traveller anytime!!! YAM xx
I love seeing all your wonderful birds. Good to see the spring preparations there while it is getting cooler here.
ReplyDeleteLove your pot pourri - which doesn't cause any of the distress (nasal and otherwise) that so many other pot pourris do.
ReplyDeleteAnd would delight in any of your visitors.
Thank you. I would happily join the volunteers too.
C'est super ce que vous faites pour les oiseaux.
ReplyDeleteJe ne savais pas que les écureuils mangeaient les bulbes de perce-neige.
Bonne soirée
There doesn't seem to be a whole lot that squirrels won't eat!
DeleteI'm not sure how nature reserves would get by without their bands of enthusiastic volunteers. That Cardinal has a strong resemblance to the red-faced landlord of my local pub!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! I have a feeling your yard is the best café in town for these birds. And I must add, Michelle is very fashionable wearing the appropriate mask with little birds in the design.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the volunteers working for the birds' nests - is warming the heart.
ReplyDeleteI greatly enjoy the birds with patches of red, yellow, blue on your blog. I like these colors, and definitely like the birds that have them.
Lovely set of photos, your Greenfinch is much prettier then ours! I wish we had somewhere where we had a group of people who would be willing to help the birds along with nesting boxes. I have tried in our garden but the birds so far do nor appreciate my help! Keep safe Diane
ReplyDeleteThey are goldfinches not greenfiches, Diane, and your European Goldfinch is a handsome bird!
ReplyDeleteNice variety of bird photos. The volunteers are back for another breeding season, I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteQuerido David me encanta ver como de nuevo podéis reuniros para tan estupendo trabajo. Las fotos son preciosas y como siempre es un placer disfrutar de tan preciosas aves. Feliz semana y feliz primavera. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Miriam. Cuidaros mucho.
ReplyDeleteI certainly enjoyed your Potpourri post.
ReplyDeleteA fabulous selection of wonderful photographs.
Enjoy the week ahead.
All the best Jan
Wonderful pics and wonderful that you all keep those nesting boxes in order. It's thrilling to have all the young ones arriving later in the spring. :)
ReplyDeleteI notice that Miriam "needed" to visit a fabric store. I'm familiar with that addiction!
ReplyDeleteA nice collection of what you called potpourri photos, David, to show what you and Miriam and friends have been up to the past week, which seems to be quite a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteLove all the birds. It's good to see the finches turning gold, again.
ReplyDeleteI am kind of stunned by the plumage of the goldfinch. I can't recall ever seeing one in that state.
ReplyDeleteYou have been busy - and as usual some lovely photos. Much more enjoyable than here where nationally we've been mired in gutter issues of the political kind. The birds you're showing here are a welcome distraction from humanity's flaws.
ReplyDeleteWe don't see a whole lot of news from Australia here, but these events were covered. Scandals and disasters always are, I suppose.
DeleteAh, springtime! With amorous males and fickle females, haha - just as well not all the females are fickle isn't it :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteThis is a very committed group.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are fabulous... needless to say.
The very handsome cardinal looks a bit puffed up...
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteLast week must have been an exciting one for you. So many things to see in your garden and arround you. Fantastic work of you and the team.
Have a wonderful week ahead.
Marijke
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteNice to hang up and replace those nest boxes.
Super beautiful ducks and birds.
I think the Woodpecker is very beautiful.
Nice photo with reflection in sunglasses.
Greetings from Patricia.
Lovely birds, of course the Cardinal is my favourite there. Snowdrops, how lovely to see, unfortunately don't have them in my garden.
ReplyDeleteTake care..
Buenos días amigo David, buen popurrí de reportaje. La nieve ya prácticamente desaparecida dando paso a la bella primavera. Bonita imagen de las Campanillas, pueden ser de semilla o pequeños bulbos.
ReplyDeleteTienes mucho movimiento por el jardín, ellos saben que les tratas bien y siempre disponen de un plato de comida. Excelente acogida.
Y ya como todos los años revisar cajas nidos toca, tienes un buen elenco de voluntarios eso está muy bien gente que se implique esa gran causa.
Un fuerte abrazo querido amigo y compadre y como no, desearos una excelente primavera a ser posible sin COVID19.
Hi David – love snowdrops … and seeing the drifts of snowdrops … yes they wander! Or get taken by ‘dem squires’ … wonderful photo of the song sparrow – beautiful little thing … while the Cardinal – looks so like the overbearing Popes of yore … but still quite extraordinary to see.
ReplyDeleteThe female merganser isn’t wasting any time either apparently; stunning scenery with the blue sky … though still cold, I realise. Thank you for the ring-billed gull – now I can see how far ‘ours’ had flown …
Gosh the American Goldfinch is quite extraordinary – what incredible colouring … sensible Redpoll to stay behind for generous samplings … the Redbellied Woodpecker must be a delight to see; Crows are amazing and it must have been interesting to see it winkling out the marrow.
Excellent to see Sprucehaven being maintained ready for the new season … fun photo of Michelle – wonderful mask. Lovely group to be a part of and doing something so worthwhile – fun post and an enjoyable read of what’s going over the pond … all the best - Hilary
Wonderful photos as always, and great that you have such dedicated vol uhh meters to help you. Love the photo with the sunglasses! Have a great, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteIf that was a monster with a gun he would be caught in the reflection of her glasses. I watch too many detective shows. I am captured by all your bird photos.
ReplyDeleteOur wintering goldfinches and Pine Siskins are beginning to leave us now, just as they are getting their more colorful feathers. We never really get to see them in their full glory. And speaking of full glory - that toucan! Wow!
ReplyDeleteAn all around pleasure!
ReplyDeleteParece que fue un día muy interesante y bonito. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteVolunteers are priceless.
ReplyDeleteBirds are returning here these days. I heard the first Red-Winged Blackbird today.
Fantástico popurrí, me ha gustado mucho todo el reportaje y me ha entretenido bastante. Enhorabuena amigo David, un fuerte abrazo desde el norte de España.
ReplyDeleteSnowdrops and volunteers make spring beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful array of garden visitors, David. I didn't think we did too badly here, but I'd swap yours for ours any day!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an impressive volunteer team you have there, but I can't help reflecting on the fact that the group would be in trouble here for not adhering to the 2 metre social distancing rule.
Best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard
The distance rule is a recommendation here, not a requirement, but it is certainly better to adhere to it when possible.
DeleteI should also point out that Jason and Steph are a couple, as are Brian and Natalie.
DeleteYou seem to have lots going on. I've been mainly at home, but excited to get my first vaccination last week, and then spent a couple of days visiting YoungerSon and family. And such gorgeous weather, if only it would stay like this!
ReplyDeleteWe had our first vaccination on Sunday and our first lunch on the patio this spring today. Life is good!
DeleteWhat lovely birds!
ReplyDeleteYou've been busy! I enjoyed the photos and story.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of birds and a nice group of volunteers. The bird photos are lovely, I think the Redpoll and Mergansers are favorites on this post. Happy birding! Take care, have a happy day!
A delightful post David. Thank you for sharing images of your varied fine feathered friends! (and thank you for dropping by my blog)
ReplyDeleteDavid - a P.S. to my previous comment: I share your disappointment regarding international travel restrictions - for each of the past 6 years (excluding 2020 of course!), I've been blessed to visit Vancouver Island in British Columbia undertaking house & pet-sitting adventures and confess that region has totally captured my heart! Like you (and I'm sure thousands of other travellers), I am hopeful that, in the not too distant future, respective borders will re-open and we can once again pursue our various adventures. I particularly hope you are able to visit the Great Ocean Road in Victoria - it won't disappoint! Best wishes and keep well.
ReplyDeleteOne of Miriam's sisters lives in Victoria, BC and we had a trip there planned too! As soon as travel conditions are relaxed we will make it out to Vancouver Island again. As you say it is a wonderful area. We have visited four times now.
DeleteLovely bird photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great group to help the birds!
I love that Miriam NEEDED a fabric store. I understand that! She probably had a special need but sometimes you NEED it, even when you need nothing!
ReplyDeleteLoved all the birds and delighted that action at Spruce Haven is happening. And so glad you have your first vax (or soon)! It makes things a little more relaxed, doesn't it?
She NEEDS no encouragement!
DeleteI LOVE that chickadee mask! We have our two nesting boxes newly prepared and placed but no takers yet.
ReplyDeleteI'll take Potpourri for $600, Alex.
ReplyDeleteJeopardy! will never be the same.
Love,
Janie
I'm more than a little perplexed, now. What I thought was a male Merganser apparently is a female. I see so few -- like, maybe two in the past three years -- that confusion's understandable. I need to find my photos and do some comparing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting that vaccine. I've had both, as have most of my friends; in fact, people in my county over the age of 16 are more than 50% vaccinated. It certainly has led to a more relaxed attitude, although behavior (masking, etc.) hasn't changed much at all.
Hello Both,
ReplyDeleteAlways good to see your Northern Cardinal, and I wouldn't mind a chance at seeing the Red-bellied Woodpecker , so good to see the work going on at Sprucehaven in readiness for another season, well done to all involved,
You stay safe and well.
John
Hello David, some great encounters with some wonderful birds. Hope Miriam succeeded with bying the matierials she needed. Good to see such dedicated people together taking care of the nestboxes. I an sure the birds will appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
It is fortunate that you can enjoy the daily visits of these beautiful birds to the feeders in your garden. Greetings David
ReplyDeleteI love Snowdrops. How great to find some growing in your yard. The other day, I saw a male Cardinal on a tree stump, chirping away, and thought maybe he was trying to attract a mate. He remained there for a long time. Wonderful mix of photos.
ReplyDeleteDavid!
ReplyDeleteI have a long delay in commenting on your posts. I always read your posts on my phone. I can't sit at the computer for too long because I was in the hospital in March and had a colon surgery.
Spring greetings :)
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteGosh, you probably placed that beautiful red cardinal in front of me :-)))) But I also see one of the most beautiful woodpeckers. I am falling in love ...... The overview photo with that water is also a very nice photo. You were also busy putting up nest boxes etc with a nice group of volunteers :-)
Dear greetings and a kiss from me,
Helma