At home, F. W. R. Dickson Wilderness Area

 24 November, 2022

At home, Waterloo, ON

     Our feeders have been especially well patronized of late, and at least two, maybe three White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) have frequently been seen carrying away seeds to add to their winter storage.

     It is a very appealing species and quite confident around humans. I suspect that many birds recognize me as the bearer of food and on that score do not flee immediately I appear in the backyard.

     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and nuthatches are often found together.

     Where there are chickadees and nuthatches, a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is usually not far behind.

     American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is muted in dress once it moults to basic plumage, but is still a very attractive little bird.

     It seems to be possessed of a quarrelsome gene and scuffles and argues with others for no reason that we can detect.

     An Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) remains aloof from the goings on around it and concentrates on maximizing its share of the available food, quick to snatch every seed rained down from the feeders above.

22 November, 2022

F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area, Cambridge, ON

     The ongoing presence of three Tufted Titmouses (Baeolophus bicolor) at this location has meant that many birders and photographers flock there on a regular basis, taking with them great quantities of bird seed which they strew around liberally. As you might expect, the birds have not been reticient about exploiting this bonanza.

     As we got close to the boardwalk we heard the familiar nasal call of White-breasted Nuthatch and saw our first individual of this species, perched as though taking a shift as an official greeter.

     An Eastern Grey Squirrel cared not one iota for such formalities and preoccupied itsef with snacking before dark.

     It was mere moments before the first Tufted Titmouse swooped in and perched right in front of us.

     It is such an appealing little bird!

      The woodlands and forests of Ontario would be more dreary places without endearing Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) to add cheer to a dull fall day.

     I am sure that many a gruff nature-skeptic has been won over by the gentle presence of a chickadee on an outstretched hand. They are ambassadors for biodiversity!

     Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis), freshly arrived from the north, are no less ambassadors of good will.

     How often does a Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) perch so close you could reach out and touch it?

     This female was not shy about sharing her day with us.

     Here you see a White-breasted Nuthatch with an American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) in hazy profile.

     There is food for all, however, and the sparrow joined others at the buffet.

     Even viewed dorsally it is a very attractive species.

     White-breasted Nuthatches jockeyed for position with the tree sparrows, one specific section of the rail seeming to hold an appeal for them, but lost on us.

     One of the classic identification characters on an American Tree Sparrow is its bicoloured mandibles.

     You may clearly see that the upper madible is dark and the lower mandible yellow. Also visible is the central breast spot, also characteristic of this species.

     The Tufted Titmouses were back and forth the whole time and Miriam took many pictures.

     Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) did not approch with anywhere near the regularity of its white-breasted cousin, but it was equally fearless.

     At times, three or four Downy Woodpeckers were all visible at the same time.

     One never becomes blasé about a Black-capped Chickadee.

     Or a Dark-eyed Junco for that matter.

     I am quite convinced that this activity represents territorial expansion for Tufted Titmouse and that within a few years it will be a common breeding species here. How delightful that will be!