Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia

Snyder's Flats, Bloomingdale, On

30 April 2013

    The Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world, and is commonly found in southern Ontario from spring through fall. This evening we were fortunate to see six of them, four loafing on a rock together. The other two were at some distance standing in shallow water. Before we left all but two took to the air and we were treated to a display of aerial elegance and perfection. The powerful neck and head, as well as the huge red bill, are clearly evident in the pictures below.

Western Osprey

Western Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

12 July 2011

Ospreys have made a fine comeback after many years of being under severe threat from the insidious effects of organochlorine pesticides and other noxious chemicals. This pair is nesting along the Grand Valley Trail in Bloomingdale, ON. One picture shows nesting material being delivered to an already occupied nest; it is perhaps part of ongoing pair-bonding activity to keep the nest constantly refurbished. The second picture shows a large fish being delivered to the sitting partner.