Recently, our good friends Graham and Marg Macdonald were visited by their sister-in-law from the UK and we were happy to join them on a stroll along the Mill Race in St. Jacobs.
The birds were cooperating and Rachel proved to be a bird whisperer of the highest order.
A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) made its presence known with a loud greeting, and was quickly spotted.
I am quite sure that this feast is equivalent to Lobster Thermidor and Baked Alaska rolled into one for a nuthatch!
Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were not going to let the feast pass without gleaning their share and they, too, swooped onto Rachel's outstretched hand.
What joy!
When I take people along the Mill Race I always tell them that I can pretty much assure them a chickadee on the hand, with a good chance of a nuthatch, too. To complete the trifecta, however, a friendly, confident Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is needed, and that's far from assured.
This male, however, took one glance at Rachel's hand, and glided down in an instant.
Her first visit to The Mill Race and she had a perfect score!
A few curious Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) came to see what was going on, hoping no doubt for a little cracked corn, but I had none with me.
American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were ubiquitous, attracted by a super abundant berry crop and dense stands of Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).
Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were drawn to the same rich pickings.
At the end of our walk we enjoyed coffee and scones at the Eco Café.
It is a safe assumption that the denizens of the Mill Race were abuzz with excitement following Rachel's visit - chickadees chattering, nuthatches nattering, woodpeckers whooping, ducks quacking and waxwings whistling.
Rachel Carson believed that every person has to respectfully repay an eternal debt to nature; safe to say that another Rachel did that today.
hello David.
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog and saw lots of wonderful photos of birds of your country.
You said in your profile that youhave birded on every continent except Antarctica. Hope you can do that in Indonesia
By the way, I've just followed your blog, and I hope you'll follow mine in return, my friend. Let's stay connected and become friends
A big hello from Indonesia
In Asia I have birded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore - and from an airplane on the ground in India! Sadly, not in Indonesia.
DeleteIt must be fun to feed the birds from your hand, David. That nuthatch looks a lot like the one in the garden here—*Sitta europaea*. It’s a lively and active bird. Mills Race looks like a fantastic area for walking.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
The Mill Race is one of our favourite spots, Marit.
DeleteDavid!
ReplyDeleteYou always have so many beautiful birds around. The squirrel has stolen my heart—it’s absolutely adorable.
I envy the way the birds eat right out of your hand! Wishing you a lovely autumn Sunday.
Such beautiful little creatures and so beautifully photographed!
ReplyDeleteThe Black-capped Chickadees, like their cousins here, are always my favourites.
The weather in your photos looks sunny and cheerfully summery, despite some colourful and fallen leaves. Here it's grey and very humid in these days.
Happy Sunday!
The weather here has been crazy. Yesterday I was out and the temperature was 17.5 degrees and it's almost November.
DeleteWhat a rewarding walk.
ReplyDeleteSweet pictures !
ReplyDeleteNo birds would eat in our hands here...To wild....Or no used...
Have a lovely day !
Bises et bonne semaine !
Anna
The first time a chickadee ever perched on my hand to eat sunflower seeds, I felt like friggin St Francis of Assisi!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteGlorious!!! YAM xx
Hi David, beautiful serie photos of birds and squirrel. I wonder how wild birds can sit on your hand.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience you and your friends created for Rachel!
ReplyDeleteWow, Rachel really is a high level bird whisperer. Even the Downy. Wow. I really thought that you were going to say the Mallard came and landed on her hand too. I'm not sure that would have worked just because of the size of a Mallard. It looks like you had a wonderful day out, walking, birding and having a snack with friends. You can't go wrong with that. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful series of photos, David.
ReplyDeleteIt’s just amazing that the birds there eat right out of your hand, that’s something we can only dream of here.
The Netherlands is so crowded with people that the birds would never do that.
Wishing you a lovely Sunday.
All the best, Irma
Then you have to come here, Irma, and I'll arrange it!
DeleteWow, a nuthatch, a chickadee, and a woodpecker.
ReplyDeleteDear David,
ReplyDeleteRachel really is amazing! On her very first visit she managed to attract the complete trio to her hand. I think she has definitely earned the title of bird whisperer.
But now I have a question for you that has puzzled me for quite some time. What is the secret of the birds at Mill Race? They are wild birds living in a natural environment, and yet they seem remarkably willing to come to a human hand for food.
I have tried to achieve something similar in my own garden. The birds know my garden well, there is always food available, and I have been very patient. But no matter how quietly I stand with food in my hand, not a single bird has ever been persuaded to take that final step. They obviously haven't read your blog and don't know what is expected of them!
Is this behaviour at Mill Race something that has developed over many years because generations of visitors have regularly offered food by hand? Or do you have some special technique that you haven't revealed to us yet?
Whatever the explanation, seeing the chickadees, nuthatch and even the Downy Woodpecker trusting Rachel enough to land on her hand must have been a wonderful experience. I can understand her delight completely.
And after achieving the full Mill Race score on her first attempt, coffee and scones seem a very appropriate celebration.
Warm greetings, Anette
There is no definitive answer, Anette. The birds have developed confidence over the years, not only at The Mill Race, but other locations around here, and in my own backyard. The secret is to remain still and quiet - and patient. It is a heartwarming experience, and even though I have done it may times it is always special.
DeleteLots of courage to the squirrel.
ReplyDelete