14 April, 2025
We were joined by Lisa for a morning's birding at RIM Park.
Migrants are flooding the area almost daily and we were delighted to see our first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) of the spring.
No doubt with a surge of "if you've got it flaunt it" sentiment, he showed off the yellow belly from whence derives his name.
As a consequence of the death of Pope Francis we have been seeing a great deal of cardinals in Rome in their red robes. They fade into irrelevance when compared with the bird!
And he's doing everything possible not to remain celibate!
Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) never fail to accentuate my already good spirits as they sing from a high perch, spilling forth their ardour with every fibre of their body.
This individual is buffeted by the wind but remains an unapologetic, enthusiastic minstrel.
Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were spotted in the upper third of the trees but never
favoured us with a clear view.
A Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was busy gathering nesting material; it looks like a comfortable feather bed is in the offing.
A pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and a sleepy Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) shared the Grand River together.
This flotilla of Buffleheads (Bucephala albeola) looked quite grand as it mastered the flow of the water, all the while diving for food.
This nest looked quite new, and well constructed, but we were unable to figure out the identity of the architect.
There is latent joy in an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) from its jaunty, cheerful song to its splendid appearance.
It is a source of consternation for every birder that one can always find evidence of Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) excavations, but seldom the bird itself.
The Swiss Guards at the funeral in Vatican City would hardly rival a robin for an upright stance!
A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), in sharp contrast to its pileated cousin, is always willing to bring greetings.
There's never a bad time for a snack.
When we left RIM Park, Lisa said, "We're close to Millennium Pond, let's take a quick look."
Our reward was a very cooperative American Coot (Fulica americana).
We saw much more, but those pictures are locked in our mind. It had been a great morning and, as always, spending time with Lisa only added to the pleasure.
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You have plenty of different kinds of birds at home. Yesterday we were trying to take a picture of a Mönchsgrasmücke (not quite sure its English name though, some kind of warbler, methink)...my...it was so DIFFICULT to get a good picture. You did an extraordinary job photographing those birds.
ReplyDeleteI wonder will your curiosity bring you back to this park to ID the architect of that nest! I like looking at the detail you capture in your photos, especially the water droplets on the Coot. I was birding yesterday and could not believe how many Starlings were building nests, there must have been at least two dozen. Did you notice there were lots more Starlings collecting nesting material?
ReplyDeleteHi Alexandra: We visit RIM Park fairly often and will be sure to check the nest again. As for the starlings gathering nesting material we didn’t notice greater activity than normal, although starlings are not especially abundant at this location. I will keep my eyes open in other spots where they are more numerous. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteDavid, you managed a very good capture of a cardinal who did not make it to Rome, but is just as resplendent.
ReplyDelete...beautiful migrants!
ReplyDeleteYou have them in the US too but you’re banishing them and sending them away to places they don’t even know.
DeleteThe Downy Woodpecker is so sweet, David. I find it amazing that woodpeckers dare to find food by walking on the ground. I see that the woodpeckers do the same here. Hugs and kisses, Marit
ReplyDeleteThere's a pair of robins near the house and every morning they (or he) treat me to such a pretty wake up alarm. I wonder if the holey tree I saw was thanks to some pileated woodpeckers as it reminds me of the photo you shared today. You always get such great bird photos David, like the wind blowing the feathers on the song sparrow. Hope this new week is filled with a lot more migrants. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI had my first Myrtle Warbler a couple of days ago and there are scores of Ruby-crowned Kinglets around. We also saw Pine Warbler and Hermit Thrush about a week ago. More to come!
DeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteGlorious!!! YAM xx
The arrangement of the nest was meticulous.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it was!
DeleteOh my. If only Finland had such wonderful birds. There are some, but still.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots! We're seeing the return of the robins, grackles, and the juncos who have already moved on. I haven't yet seen/heard a sparrow though I'm sure they will be here soon. The Merlin hawk is definitely back though - it has such a distinct call I always know when it is around.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see so many birds and to be able to photograph them and identify them. I acquired a bird feeder recently and hung it up with some bird seed, but immediately the word went out to the local squirrels and they arrived in the hopes of lunch. Eventually I took the feeder down, there's nowhere I can hang it that is squirrel free.
ReplyDeleteI always. have a smile on my face when I see all the beautiful shots of the birds that you take. I also enjoy your story telling narrative , It adds a lot. The red on that cardinal is exquisite and the Song Sparrow in the wind looks interesting..Thanks for sharing these stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteThe Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been making themselves seen/heard (mostly heard) in my neighborhood lately. I do love the striking red eyes if the coot.
ReplyDeleteA lovely assortment of birds. I liked your comparisons to garments worn by humans.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos David and I love that little coot :-D
ReplyDeleteThat bird with the yellow is amazing and so beautiful💖Funny story of the cardinals👍They are also great.These daays I am into woodpeckers and of course the towny owl..Love that header of yours..It greets me every timeI come here with its smiling eyes💖
ReplyDeleteIf you are into woodpeckers you would find great joy in Southern Ontario where we have eight species.
DeleteWhat a nice variety, they must sound great when walking through the park.
ReplyDeleteThe sound is magical, Bill.
DeleteSo many beautiful birds, David, and your photos and accounts bring me much joy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda.
DeleteYou will be shocked and surprised to hear (not) that I would much prefer to see your cardinals than the human ones.
ReplyDeleteHow I love walking with you, and wish I could hear the melodies...
What! You’re not wild about wrinkled old celibates?
DeleteWhat a concert of wings and songs you give us on this walk! i hear a melody of feathers, and joy, and the cardinal birds shine even in moments of grief.
ReplyDeleteAll the birds feel like a verse that lifts the soul, and this time i imagine they accompanied Pope Francis to Heaven 🕊️🌿
Have a good start to the week, dear friend.
Gros bisous
"And he's doing everything possible not to remain celibate!"
ReplyDeleteGood point!
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great series of photos, again so many species that we never see here.
The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is my favorite, I didn't even know it existed.
I wish you a nice new week.
Greetings Irma
De tus fotos de hoy me quedo con ese cardenal rojo, por aquí no se ven David y si que me gustaría ver alguno. Gracias.
ReplyDeleteBuena semana.
Un abrazo.
Beauties! Your pictures are just beautiful, and I enjoy the clever, accompanying comments. Love our feathered friends so much.
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to have a Pileated Woodpecker living somewhere in our woods. We see it quite often and hear it even more.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are much easier to locate where you live.
DeleteThank you for sharing so many beautiful birds.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I love that yellow - bellied sapsucker. You share the very best photos. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIf the photos are excellent, your comments are no less so.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant.
Un abrazo David
Oh my! they really DO have yellow bellies! A beautiful shot and sighting. I love the waxwings, too. They are a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteYellow-bellied Sapsucker is a name I've never heard before. Learned something new again. Nice trip with some great sightings.
Regards, Frank
Indeed, such a beautiful morning with all these lovely sightings. David, I agree, I'd rather see a cardinal in a tree than those old cardinals in Rome. The robin is simply wonderful. This morning when I was digging in the garden a robin kept me company and entertained me with his sweet voice. Almost as lovely as your morning. Hugs - Carola
ReplyDeleteI get to see Pileated woodpeckers often. One was visiting yesterday. I should upload that shot of it pecking on a deer skull.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birding shots and fun descriptions. Thanks for that! 😊
Yes, please post the picture.
DeleteWhen we lived out in the county, we would, on occasion, catch glimpses of a pilated that hung out in the area.
ReplyDeleteSap sucker sounds like a curse, doesn't it?
Thanks for sharing, David. I love looking at the birds. Hope you and Miriam are having a grand one.
The Cedar Waxwing is quite beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful!
DeleteYour comparison of the cardinals in Rome with the birds that were named after them (because of the color) is really apt -- yes to birds!
ReplyDeleteYep, wrinkled old virgins (maybe) are not my choice.
DeleteKlasse Bilder von den verschiedenen Vögeln.
ReplyDeleteGruß
Noke
Hello Dawid
ReplyDeleteThese birds look great in your photos. Especially the red parrot. It's nice to read your posts because you describe what's in the photos in a colorful way.
Beautiful work, I appreciate it because I know how much effort and heart you put into these great pictures.
Best wishes!
I can feel that Spring has arrived!!....you have beautiful pictures with a great Pope's sense of humor!!.........Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics
ReplyDeleteTodos maravillosos querido amigo David. Gracias y besos.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteYou were once again treated with a number of attractive birds, of which I like the cardinal the best. Absolutely gorgeous and colorful. It is not for the first time that I am surprised by the large number of woodpecker species.
Greetings, Kees
Dear David, that definitely looks like a pleasant trip – and there was a lot to see. Amazingly, there were also birds that reminded you of Rome 😉. Yes, the feathered cardinals aren't letting their love life get spoiled, thankfully.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely, as always, to accompany you on your bird walks!
All the best, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/05/gunthers-kakaozeremonie-und-ein-paar.html