08 February 2022
Hillside Park, Waterloo, ON
The first sight to greet us was a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) perched stoically in a tree, weathering the storm like the rest of us.
Most Great Blue Herons migrate at the approach of winter, but a few hardy individuals always remain, and over the past twenty years or so I have seen this species here in every month of the year. They are opportunistic feeders, and in addition to capturing prey in open water, will take waterfowl, rodents, rabbits and other mammals, anything they can capture really. As long as they are able locate food they appear to be capable of tolerating harsh weather.
It was a snowy day in the park.
Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) disported in open patches of water, seeming to relish winter with the enthusiasm of a child.
A Merlin (Falco columbarius) surveyed its hunting grounds from a lofty perch, ready to intercept any unwary songbird.
Spruce cones bedecked in snow are always lovely to behold.
The longer we walked the more it snowed, but it was good to be out on a quintessential winter's day in Ontario.
15 February 2022
Linear Trail, Cambridge, ON
The Linear Trail is always a great spot for a walk and on a good day can deliver spectacular birding.
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) has become well established in Ontario, and it is not unusual to see them in Waterloo Region. Two birds, presumably a pair, were present at the confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers.
American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) is present only in the winter in our area, and may be reliably found along the Linear Trail.
We came across a female Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), either checking a hole for nesting potential or retrieving food from a cache - we were never quite sure.
Great excitement was provided, however, when two males appeared on the scene, uttering a good deal of chatter, chasing each other furiously, and the female too, putting on quite a show for us.
In that context we heard our first singing Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) of the year. It is such a cheerful, uplifting song, and a sure sign that spring will soon be here to greet us.
15 February 2022
Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON
It is a very brief journey from the Linear Trail to Riverside Park. There is always lots of activity along the boardwalk, where for years people have brought seed, and even installed suet feeders which are kept stocked. From time to time rarities appear, lured by an easy meal no doubt.
The first bird to greet us was an American Tree Sparrow.
House Sparrows were always more common when horse drawn drays and carriages were the standard modes of transportation, and grain spilled from feed bags provided a reliable source of food. Perhaps humans delivering corn in places such as Riverside Park have become an effective substitute.
A female Northern Cardinal is a paragon of subdued beauty and elegance.
As one walks along the length and breadth of the boardwalk the sheer number of individuals from various species is impressive. Witness another American Tree Sparrow.
In the next picture you can see the contrast between the native tree sparrow and the alien House Sparrow.
When I disturbed the female above for just a moment, she scolded me and returned to her position as soon as I had walked past.
American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are handsome, fearless, entertaining and pugnacious.
The Speed River was frozen other than for a ribbon of water flowing at the edges, but there were no waterfowl present to take advantage of it.
I would venture to say that one is never out of sight or earshot of a Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus).
As indicated above, House Sparrows have become rare in recent years, and in many countries across Europe are now included on lists of vulnerable species. I know of no location locally where their numbers, and the simple reliability of seeing them, surpasses Riverside Park.
The six males above represent a small sample, and sometimes squabbling flocks of thirty or forty can be observed.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is primarily a migratory species, but small numbers remain here for the winter, and Riverside Park is a favoured location.
Nuthatches in general are intriguing little birds, always special, and Red-breasted Nuthatch (SItta canadensis) is encountered less frequently than its white-breasted cousin.
A chickadee is rarely reluctant to visit an outstretched hand, especially if sunflower hearts are on the menu.
The nuthatch was quick to follow suit so I had the unrestrained joy of having a a chickadee and a nuthatch undertaking a shuttle service to my hand.
A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was content to watch the proceedings from a convenient perch.
In the woodland at the edge of a parking lot a flock of about twenty-five American Robins (Turdus migratorius) had found food and they made a cheery end to our walk.
This is a species that suffers from familiarity; it really is a handsome bird and warrants our admiration.
...David, you saw and captured the beauty of winter days. Thanks for taking me along on these trips.
ReplyDeleteGreat assortment of photos! I did enjoy the vicarious walk with you. I love those pine cones. And there are a few hardy Great Blue Herons who remain here in Connecticut US through the Winter. They probably move closer to the shore, where the water isn't frozen over, so they can still fish. I would love to walk with you in person, if the pandemic ever ends. It is beautiful there! But it's a bit of a drive from my area to yours, although still doable. :-)
ReplyDeleteI would think it's doable. i once drove from here to Cape Cod in one day.
DeleteWe have lots of great blue herons here in Oklahoma and I see them all year, all over the state. One of the few birds that I can identify!!
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you had a lot of snow and cold temperatures this winter. You have taken many very beautiful photos, and who can resist the Blue Jay? I guess I had forgot my flowers, and only taken photos of Blue Jay ;)
Hugs and kisses, Marit
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteOh my word, so very much to enjoy here... but for my eye, that shot of the female Cardinal is perhaps one of the best I have ever seen!!! A pleasure to have 'walked' with you again... YAM xx
Lots of snow and winter beauty. Thanks for the beautiful bird photos and taking us on your winter walk.
ReplyDeleteYou live in a very beautiful neighbourhood. I don't think I have ever seen so many different kinds of birds...they are really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, so many beautiful birds. Short comment, we keep losing internet because of the storm ! Big hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteRobins in the snow! I have never seen that before, just robins in a bare branches. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJust shout-out: my current post is about crows, and I list your site as a one that will be enjoyed. Your knowledge and photos are a pleasure to see.
I love all the Woodpeckers. They are beautiful (not their sound)
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of robins around PEI this year which is strange. They didn’t go south this year. I saw tree sparrows last week too though it was hard to get good photos of them. Miriam got some great shots.
ReplyDeleteUnless a new virulent strain of COVID foists itself on us, we'll see you in May, Marie.
DeleteThe heron is a delight.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered why the red bellied woodpecker is called a red bellied woodpecker. They are fun to watch in the jerky way they move their bodies and make those funny calls. I happen to like those red squirrels. They have so much personality. Last year I had one who knew how to get into one of my feeders, but I haven't seen any do it this year so I'm afraid the smart one is with us no longer. Nice photos today. You saw a lot of species, and those robins really do look outstanding in the snow. Have a nice weekend. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteIt does have a little red smudge on its lower belly, but not often visible.
DeleteI must admit I've never seen either Robins or Great Blue Herons in the middle of winter.
ReplyDeleteBar the swans and heron, it was like watching my bird feeders, in the old days.
ReplyDeletePoor bird, looks like he´s really freezing. And "stoically " sums his look up, really.
ReplyDeleteThey are all so beautiful. The Blue Jay is really interested in you, such a wonderful variety, and you have Peanut´s cousin, too!
And what a brave little bird, really landing on a human hand.
Good morning David,
ReplyDeleteFantastic to see what you've seen during your walks. A lot!!!! Beautiful photo's of the birds.
Have a wonderful weekend
Marijke
David - so much here to enjoy. The closest I get to a Jay at this time of year are the Canada Jays that favor the suet. Love the White-Throated Sparrow and the female Cardinal. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that many robins together. Cool!
ReplyDeleteLove all your photos. :)
The White-throated Sparrow has an endearing little face with those expressive bright yellow eyebrows!
ReplyDeleteHard to pick favourites, but it would be high on the list!
DeleteBuenos días, amigo David, maravilloso paseo de tu mano, como siempre, un esplendido reportaje y belleza de paisaje nevado con gran cantidad de avistamientos. Es hermoso ese lugar y además, cerca de tu residencia, es un trocito de paraíso y un privilegio del que sabes disfrutarlo. Las fotos de Miriam como siempre sensacionales.
ReplyDeleteUn gran abrazo amigo y compadre, os deseo un buen fin de semana queridos amigos.
The beauty of the snowy landscape is added to the precious photographs of those birds. I loved the walk!
ReplyDeleteThe chickadees and woodpeckers have a beautiful color, I also really liked seeing the squirrel.
Many kisses.
I wish that we could have a decent snow fall, David, as I'd love to be taking some photos in the snow. You and Miriam have some beautiful sightings and pictures from your walk.
ReplyDeleteUp until recently, we had an American Robin in the south of England, and people were travelling from all over UK to see it. I'm not sure if it is still around, however, after Storm Eunice ripped through yesterday, with that area being hit the most severely.
You mention squabbling House Sparrows. It is something that we see, and hear, less frequently these days but, when we do, the racket is near deafening!
My very best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard
Hi Richard: If you get a chance swing over to Sonjia's blog and see if you can help her with some moth ID.
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this walk and all the beautiful birds. The first heron photo is one of my favorites. Lovely photos and pretty winter scenery. I usually see the House Sparrows in the local town, they seem plentiful there. Take care, enjoy your weekend!
I really enjoyed that walk! I shoveled yesterday, and will have to today. I'm too tired to do a walk, though!
ReplyDeleteI was right there shovelling with you!
DeleteHello David, those birds wow, amazing so different and so colourful and against the white of this snow landscape it is a picture I can only dream of.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Regards from a stormy Belgium
Roos
Snow does have its appeal, Roos.
DeleteThanks for sharing your walk and beautiful birds. To answer your question on my blog about the tobacco shop, it sells tobacco, vaping products, and CBD. These stores are proliferating because Virginia law is legalizing the sale of marijuana in September so merchants are gearing up.
ReplyDeleteOkay, thanks. We have those stores here too.
DeleteWonderful photo's as always. While you bundle up, I'm about to kick my shoes off to walk in the other white stuff, lol...sand. But, thought of you as I signed up for for The Hawks, Owls, and Falcons live Bird Show here on the beach. It's a weekly activity that everyone raves about. The person doing the show is apparently super knowledgeable, so am looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
Enjoy the birds of prey show. Be sure to let me no what you think of it. Even better do a blog post about it.
DeleteI agree that the very notes of the cardinal's song evoke spring. They've been singing for a while around here.
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the red squirrel. What a handsome fellow!
Red squirrels are very attractive little creatures.
DeleteA lot of beautiful birds and a scenic winter landscape.
ReplyDeleteI love the house sparrows, I remember that my grandpa used to have always at home one of them (free, not caged). Sadly here they are always less.
Now I am at the lake and we are waiting for the arrival of the Canadian ducks from their migration.
Hi David - I would love to do it together ... what a brilliant location you live near ... so many gorgeous walks, with plenty of wildlife. I hope our birds have been hunkering down and will reappear once these dreaded storms have disappeared. I can happily live vicariously with you - though would prefer to be there in person spending time with you both ... cheers for now - Hilary
ReplyDeleteQuelle belle série de photos, toutes plus belles les unes que les autres!
ReplyDeleteQuelle diversité, et la végétation en fond est très sympa aussi. Bonne soirée
I do love these virtual walks with you and Miriam, you see so many birds out on your walks, I seldom see much walking here. I especially love the Sparrows, we have masses of House Sparrows here but I would love to see a Tree Sparrow or a White-throated Sparrow.
ReplyDeleteI hope that all is well with you both, take care Diane
Hi David. Looks like the trails at home are quite active despite the cold and snow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great commentary and photos!
It was pretty stormy today, Carol, high winds and lots of snow.
DeleteLucky you! I've yet to hear a cardinal's song, although the doves are cooing more each day. I've never seen one of your red squirrels; that one's a cutie. And I sighed with pleasure at the sight of my favorite robins in your last photo. I hope beyond hope we'll get to see them again this year; it's never a sure thing, since their paths through Texas vary from year to year.
ReplyDeletehello David
ReplyDeletethe bright colors of the birds is a nice contrast to the white winter landscape, I like it very much
Greetings Frank
There is much to love here, David, but as you might expect, I'm in love with that shivering heron! I'm not sure where Harry goes in the winter -- he doesn't stay here or at least isn't sighted! Maybe he went your way!
ReplyDeleteI always see a lot of beautiful birds, when I 'walk' with you. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHere the house sparrow is seldom as you mention. Once it was the most common bird in Denmark and now its place has been taken by Passer montanus.
Greetings Lisbeth
Feliz de hacer este recorrido contigo, el paisaje se ve precioso, especialmente con los pájaros. Abrazos para Miriam y para ti.
ReplyDeleteI have a heron (probably not the same kind of heron as yours although he is also called 'blue') living just below the hill and by the river. I love this great ungainly creature with its giant bill. Whenever I creep up on it while it's fishing in the river it detects me and heaves itself up laboriously before flying off further down the river, long legs sticking out.
ReplyDeleteThe common heron in Britain is the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). I suspect that is what you are seeing and deriving great delight from.
DeleteMagnificent photo reportage. Even with so much snow, beautiful and interesting birds you find on your walks. Thanks for these wonderful photos, I especially loved the perspective of the 19th photo of the Blue Jay.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see the Great Blue heron sticking around in the snow and cold. It must be pretty difficult to find open water and food.
ReplyDeleteStunning series of photos, David!
ReplyDeleteSo much to enjoy.
Happy Monday!
Yes, I did enjoy this walk with you, albeit vicariously. The bird photos were fabulous, and I enjoyed the landscape pictures as well. Wouldn't it be lovely to experience it in person!
ReplyDeleteI love that you get out so much. Thank you for sharing all the beauty
ReplyDeleteWow!!! espectaculares fotos y maravillosas aves. Querido amigo es admirable ver como con tanto frío se puede disfrutar de un día genial. Un fuerte abrazo para ti y para Miriam.
ReplyDeleteYour walk was really good, and you saw lots of birds. You are all brave to venture out in the snow! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDelete