18 April, 2025
Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs
There is a spot along Three Bridges Road, near the bridge over the Conestogo River, where birds are attracted to suet and seed left by incognito nature lovers.
Sometimes the comings and goings resemble Union Station at rush hour, and for the patient photographer the opportunities are many.
A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) strutted daintily in all its gentle splendour.
Cheerful, friendly Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) enlivened the scene, as they always do.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is generally quick to exploit the abundance of food on hand and it is not unusual to see three or four on the same tree, or scouring the ground for spilled seed, or juicy ants or other invertebrates.
Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) have recently returned to Southern Ontario to breed in our marshes and are a splendid addition to the avifauna of the region.
A couple more Downy Woodpeckers -
And a second Mourning Dove joined the throng.
There is something uniquely appealing about nuthatches in general, and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) never fails to widen the smile on my face.
Song Sparrows (Melopspiza melodia) are singing from every perch, but this individual was on lunch break.
20 April, 2025
Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, ON
Our friend, Pam, has invested in an annual pass to the properties of the Grand River Conservation Authority, so we all went to Laurel Creek together.
Black-capped Chickadees, knowing that two-legged mammals are probably bringing food, greeted us instantly.
Pam was quick to oblige.
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) seemed content to snooze away the morning.
A small group of Common Mergansers (Merganser merganser), all females, were more active.
I don't think we were ever out of earshot of Song Sparrows.
A male Red-winged Blackbird in prime condition is an impressive fellow. This individual is sure to impress the ladies.
Here is the object of his passion, aloof, reserved - yet compliant too.
American Robins (Turdus migratorius) charmed us with their always cheerful song.
This is a nest from last year, that of an American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) perhaps.
Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were high overhead, honking vociferously.
A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) poured forth his glorious melody too.
The whole area resounded with bird song, that age old serenade of spring.
Snail shells (class Gastropoda) seemed to be everywhere, but not a live snail in sight.
I was mildly amused by this barrier erected to deter Canada Geese from invading the beach area.
Did someone not realize that geese can fly and with a couple of flaps of the wing be over the fence?
A male and a female Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) were perched at opposite ends of a dead stump, seemingly not quite ready to get together.
The lake was tranquil.
One can never tire of these little bundles of joy.
Violets (genus Viola) are in bloom.
This enchanting little plant is nestled in the Bittercresses and Toothworts (genus Cardamine).
The "find" of the morning was our first Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) of the season, singing and searching for insects.
He was quite an acrobat too.
An old nest of Aerial Yellowjackets (genus Dolichovespula) evoked memories of nervous picnics as these stinging machines buzzed around.
Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON
Having enjoyed our morning walk through Laurel Creek so much, it seemed like a good idea to visit Lakeside Park in the afternoon.
We spotted a female Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) quietly resting, partly camouflaged, perhaps seeking seclusion away from the attention of amorous males.
A Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemis marginata picta) clambered out of the water to bask in the warm sunshine.
Quite oblivious to the turtle, a Canada Goose settled down onto the nest.
A single Pied-billed Grebe (Podylimbus podiceps) patrolled up and down; probably his partner is incubating eggs.
A budding Box Elder (Acer negundo) is a wonderful sight.
We wandered around, met an old friend, and were charmed by a Canada Goose as we headed back to the car.
Isn't nature wonderful?
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Nature is the absolute best. Great photos David. The fence made me giggle, I wonder how many of the geese it has stopped?
ReplyDeleteI have been out all this week and today got an early start so no one else about. Just me and the birds and insects. Was wonderful :--D
An early start is always the best strategy, Ananka.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThere is no question, nature is indeed most wonderful!!! YAM xx
Beautiful photos, David. The Downy Woodpecker is a very pretty bird.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
...you were mildly amused by that barrier erected to deter Canada Geese from invading the beach area, me too.
ReplyDeleteI have recently (well over the past 8 years) gotten into bird watching. My next attempt is to distinguish the sound that each bird makes. Yes, nature is wonderful. Thanks for the pictures
ReplyDeleteAfter my bear visits I bring the feeders in each night. Not only are the chickadees always there to welcome me, but now Mama bluebird is always there too. She's not quite as sociable as the chickadees, but you can tell she has babies to feed and is feeling brave because of that Hope your having a good week David. hugs-erika
ReplyDeleteThat fence looks so unstable even if it worked at all..well, wild geese can easily fly over, can't they? We have lots of black birds here, but I have never seen a red-winged one.
ReplyDeleteSpring is in the air.....
ReplyDeleteAnd birds too ;)
Have a nice day David !
Anna
Zenaida macroura in popular language it is called Guguștuc in Europe.
ReplyDeleteNature is truly an amazing sight in so many ways. Spring always brings the promise and hope.
ReplyDeleteNature is indeed wonderful...and therapeutic. Beautiful series. I love ❤️ the water, and the colours and patterns of the birds 🐦 and everything else is enchanting.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, some migratory birds have now arrived in Finland. Too bad turtles can't live here.
ReplyDeleteGreat report of such peaceful place. The framing of the second Mourning Dove is perfect. I also like other photos, suc as the Downy Woodpecker and the black birds. That turtle is a marvelous creature.
ReplyDeleteHi David, beautiful post of the local birds. I like the woodpeckers and american robin. Have a nice weekend !
ReplyDeleteNo matter how many times we see a bird, it is always a happy experience. Many familiar faces in this post! I do envy you the water birds!
ReplyDeleteLovely rambling in areas with many animal friends. The pine warbler is a beauty. I’ve never seen one.
ReplyDeleteNot a really easy bird to find, Marie, but at the right time of year in the right habitat, always possible with a little diligent searching with ears tuned to its song.
DeleteA fence to keep the Canadian geese out. I wonder whose great idea that was. :)
ReplyDeleteNo doubt a mindless bureaucrat.
DeleteThese are amazing photos. I laughed about the fence for the geese. We have so many geese here it's nuts. There is a very large grave yard in Eugene where hundreds of geese like to hang out. They have tried everything to keep them out of there. Nothing works. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that the geese tried everything to keep the humans out and nothing worked either!
DeleteThat chickadee sure trusts Pam!
ReplyDeleteHello Profe, how r u! wonderful walk among violets and snails. The birds put on a concert when they see you arrive. You bring them delicious snacks.
ReplyDeleteLa vie est belle they sing along.
They chirp with joy, so happy to see you arrive.
Thank you for showing us the wonder of being alive,
for your humor and your good vibes
that make me smile.
Gros bisous.
Thank you, Poet Laureate, Carolina!
Deletejejeje 😆
DeleteYes David,
ReplyDeletenature is wonderful,
we need to protect it.
The fence made me laugh...
You made us feel its beauty with your fantastic photos.
So much variety, I loved the cardinal!!
Thank you very much.
Still smiling at that fence - some people just have no idea, do they!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds and photos.
Great series of photos David.
ReplyDeleteThe nuthatch is beautiful, this one is very different from the ones we see here, they have an orange breast here.
We also see fewer and fewer black tits here, it's been a few years since I saw one.
Song sparrows are also not found in the Netherlands.
The fence to keep the geese from going onto the beach is a real joke, they just go over it.
I wish you a nice weekend.
Greetings Irma
Chickadees remain my favourite bird, despite all the coloured feathers that are arriving now. They stick with us through wind and snow....
ReplyDeleteLove your pictures, as always.
You could certainly make an argument for it being my favourite bird too.
DeleteI'm always amazed at how many birds we both see in any given week. It makes me happy to know there are so many that we can enjoy them...North and South! You always get some of the best comments too. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful series and that fence did give me a chuckle.
ReplyDeleteKuten totesit David, luonto on ihana.
ReplyDeleteYou've had quite the impressive group of sightings! I have to say of all the birds, even the most exotic, my favorite (one of my two, the cardinal being the other) always comes down to the simple, sweet chickadee!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are so beautiful. It is always a delight to look through your photos and read the accompanying descriptions. They are beautiful and the birds are always a delight to look through.
ReplyDeleteDavid!
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful birds can only be seen on your blog. I love your walks because I always see something interesting and beautiful. Today, apart from the birds, I was enchanted by the beautiful violets. Nature is a great inspiration for people. It stimulates the imagination, gives us the opportunity to think, reflect and draw conclusions. Greetings.
Yes, nature is beautiful! Great series of stunning photos off all those gorgeous birds. It feels so good to see this! Wonderful time outdoors in good company!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend, regards Maria
Preciosa la foto de Pam con el pajarillo en la mano, tenía hambre. Me gusta ver tanta variedad. Gracias David.
ReplyDeleteBuen fin de semana.
Un abrazo.
Nature is indeed wonderful. The fence to keep out geese is pretty funny--one of those situations that makes me think about how someone had to have the idea and go through some process to have the work done and not once did anyone state the obvious.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful birds. I always like seeing the northern cardinal on this blog. I like the shot of the song sparrow a lot! But I think that my favourite animal in this post is the Midland painted turtle. Reptiles are cool.
ReplyDeleteAnother fun outing. Thank you. We seem to have many of the same birds. Hope your weekend is joyous.
ReplyDelete"Isn't nature wonderful?"
ReplyDeleteIt sure is :)
A lovely post.
All the best Jan
I love that first picture of the Mourning Dove, one of my favorite birds and one of the first voices I hear when I step outside in the morning.
ReplyDeletegorgeous photos. there are 3 different black birds, doves and jays having spring flings everywhere we walk and in our yard.. plus saw our first beautiful black racer snake of the year. About 5 feet long, and boy was he quick
ReplyDeleteThere are some 'familiar faces' in this post - and I was lucky enough to catch up with a few more on my recent European adventure. Your right, spring is such a wonderful time and our walk through a small part of Italy was full of spring flowers and the calls of returning migrants. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - just back in Melbourne!
Hi David - lovely to see all the newbies of 2025 ... I do miss seeing all the woodpeckers ... but of course all the other specialities of Canada. I'm happy to be home though ... lots of seagulls, jays, blackbirds, wrens, robins and people at the coast - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts and pictures. It seems to me that the cardinals spring song is changing. It's definitely a little different than what I would hear consistently even a decade ago. Basically the same just a bit different.
ReplyDeleteI smile every time I see Elbows Up. As always wonderful photo's. I've always get excited when I see Black Capped Chickadees, they just always looks like such cute little birds. The picture of the turtle was excellent, you often don't see all the colors when you see them on log just their shell.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
Wow again amazing bird photoes in you local ground.I am very happy to see so much birds in the habitat.Wish you a happy sunday birdwatching💖
ReplyDeleteWow again amazing bird photoes in you local ground.I am very happy to see so much birds in the habitat.Wish you a happy sunday birdwatching💖
ReplyDeleteYour local sightings so much the same as mine although your setting is much more desirable.... Mine is pretty much a birdfeeder... Little or no ambience there... Lovely pictures as well! Chickadees are probably up there on my "favorite " list...
ReplyDeleteSome really nice sightings on your incredible walks.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly had a lovely walk, wonderful sights! Nature at its best and yes the barrier made me smile.
ReplyDeleteThanks David,your day was rich indeed with all these gorgeous sights - as was mine when I saw them. You remind me once again that true wealth is when we closely observe the beauty that costs us nothing.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
I wake up every morning with Cardinals singing!....I have so many cardinal's nest around my house!.....Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteA fence for geese was not a good strategy I guess. Made me giggle ;)) Nature is fantastic if we have the eyes on, like you in your greast "report" with photos !
ReplyDeleteGreetings Lasse
Wonderful birds and plants, as always.
ReplyDeleteYour last images made me search for products imported from Canada. (One can see online the products available in our local supermarket.) I found several items, for example lentils, cranberries and of course maple syrup. We often buy lentils and will try the maple syrup. :)
Thanks for supporting Canada, Sara. Rest assured that maple syrup is the nectar of the gods!
DeleteI've never had the pleasure of having a bird eat out of my hand in the wilds. Though, I have in bird sanctuaries and was thrilled beyond words. YOU have a grand one.
ReplyDeleteHallo David,
ReplyDeletePrachtige platen van al die Amerikaanse vogelsoorten die er daar net even wat anders uitzien dan hun Europese soortgenoten. Het valt me elke keer op wat een grote diversiteit je daar tegen komt tijdens een wandeling, het lijkt me daar een el-dorado voor vogelliefhebbers. Veel mooie soorten waarbij de roodvleugelmerel en de Amerikaanse roodborst mijn favorieten zijn.
Groeten,
Ad
Hello David, as usual, your splendid photos are accompanied by educational and entertaining comments, which make us experience similar sensations to those you experienced firsthand. A big hug my friend.
ReplyDeleteI like the downy woodpecker, and the red-winged blackbird is also particularly beautiful with its red spots.
ReplyDeleteAnd we also have nuthatches in our forest; it's wonderful to watch them running up or down the tree.
The fluffy little black-capped chickadee is so pretty, and I'm puzzled how you manage to lure it onto your hand.
And when the geese fly noisily in the sky, I'm blown away :-))
The red cardinal with its brilliant plumage is beautiful... I think it decorates Christmas tablecloths in your area. Could that be true, David?
Yes, and we have those beautiful little violets here too.
Nature is wonderful!
A hug to you... and thank you so much.
Cardinals are used on a whole variety of Christmas items, Viola, no doubt including tablecloths. Just like the Robin in Europe, the cardinal is our “Christmas bird.”
DeleteSiempre son maravillosos tus paseos querido amigo David, me encantaría vivir cerca de ti, para salir a caminar con vosotros. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteYou gave us an interesting impression of the wildlife. The fence brought immediately a smile upon my face. The people being responsible for it are the real "experts", obviously not realizing that even geese start smiling to see this "barrier". The colorful birds made the trip worth while.
Greetings, Kees
A big YES to your question at the end, David.
ReplyDeleteI have to second Teresa's comment - I'd love to live near you, so we can take all these walks together. Big hugs - Carola