Our Backyard at Random

23 April, 2022

     American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is the most common species to visit our yard, and may be expected in all seasons.

     The drab plumage of winter is yielding to breeding finery.

     Here a couple of goldfinches are joined by a very handsome male House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus).

     For some reason, Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) seem fond of perching on the side of the bird bath, drinking from time to time, but seldom bathing.

03 May, 2022

     Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a very common species, and the song of the male trilling ardently from high atop a tree is an uplifting springtime melody. But even singers have to eat!

     Eating seems to be a permanent occupation for Eastern Cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) and they are quite capable of invoking Miriam's wrath as they merrily chew away at every green shoot that pops above the ground, studiously ignoring the weeds, but laying waste to the coneflowers.

     A Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is an infrequent visitor; we were delighted to welcome this resplendent male.

     White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is common spring and fall.

     Familiarity never breeds contempt for American Goldfinches. A group of them is appropriately called a charm.

     This Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) seemed to be engaged in a shouting match.

     In some years Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) are abundant, in other years totally absent. The spring of 2022 brought flocks to Waterloo Region and some visited our feeders.

     A male House Finch is a handsome fellow, but not quite as splendid as his congener, the Purple Finch seen above.

     Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) find everything they need in our backyard, including friendly humans.

     And what would a backyard in southern Ontario be without a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) or two?

04 May, 2022

     Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) does not patronize our garden anywhere near as often as in years past so it was a great pleasure to welcome this individual.

28 May, 2022

     A pair of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) had been checking out the nest box and seemed to have decided on it, only to lose interest and move on. Finally, however, they have built a snug nest, and seem set to raise a family.

     We thought at one point their plans were going to be thwarted by a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) and you can see where the male woodpecker had worked at enlarging the hole.

     Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have prospered in urban situations and it was no surprise to see this individual ambling along the fence, totally unperturbed by humans.

29 May, 2022

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a very familiar visitor. 

     A few years ago a pair raised young in a nest at the side of the house, and we keep hoping for a repeat performance.

     We had not realized that the chickadee nest already had young, but here is an adult carrying a juicy caterpillar into the nest box to feed hungry chicks.

     A constant shuttle was maintained by both parents.

     These little birds are kept busy. Miriam and I tallied the number of food deliveries made in two half-hour periods as follows: 09h:16 - 09h:46 - 16 visits, and 16h:30 - 17h:00 - 12 visits.

     During that period the adults have to locate prey, capture it and return to the nest box, all the while getting food for themselves to maintain their energy levels.

     On two occasions we watched the chickadees fiercely drive a goldfinch from the feeders, brooking no competition for food I presume, since there was no threat to the young. I kept the feeders filled with sunflower hearts so the adults would have ready access to sustenance.

     What goes in must come out and here is an adult leaving with a faecal sac.

     Not only do they have to feed the kids they have to clean up after them too. Sounds a bit like humans, doesn't it?

30 May, 2022

     Who doesn't enjoy having a chipmunk in the garden?

     A Common Grackle is a very attractive species, especially when viewed in sunlight to highlight the iridescence of its plumage to best advantage.

     This Black Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was unusual (and very distinctive) in having a red tail.

31 May, 2022

     An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is one of our most impressive butterflies.

18 June, 2022

     Many species have fed their young in our backyard, but for the first time we had a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) feeding a single juvenile.

Adult

Juvenile

      It is remarkable what can be observed in a regular suburban backyard.