02 April, 2025
In Our Backyard, Waterloo, ON
It seemed for a while that snow would never give up this year, and the birds, like us, had no choice but to cope with it.
This American Robin (Turdus migratorius) may have been wishing he had not returned so early.
A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is more habituated to wintry conditions and faces inclement weather with aplomb.
06 April, 2025
The Backroads of Waterloo Region
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a bird that merits close examination.
It is in fact a singularly handsome bird, as these images show.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) have returned to Ontario in full form, anxious to embark on the imperative task of raising a family. A Pussy Willow (genus Salix) provided a convenient perch for this troubadour, waiting to inveigle a willing female.
I suspect that success will be swift.
Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) are occupying suitable stretches of water and this little flotilla was right at home on the Conestogo River.
In recent years American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) has become decidedly uncommon, so we were very pleased to see this female.
Before the day was out we saw three different individuals, all females, and that augers well for breeding in this species.
Rock Doves (Columba livia) - aka Feral Pigeon - were feeding in sodden grassland, showing the range of plumage due to selective breeding by humans.
Charles Darwin was noted for studying pigeons under domestication.
A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was buffeted by the wind but kindly remained long enough for a picture.
13 April, 2025
Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON
It's very convenient that Benjamin Park is almost right behind our house, so that any time we feel like an impromptu walk we have only a five minute stroll to the trailhead.
A pair of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) was busy with housekeeping, rather like humans preparing the nursery in advance of the baby's arrival.
When the chickadees find a home no lawyer is needed, there's no deposit to pay, no land transfer tax. Possession becomes ownership and all that's required is a cleanup.
Colt's Foot (Tussilago farfara) is a tough little plant, and exceptionally beautiful, and is always one of the very first spring flowers to carpet the woodlands.
Cheerful and friendly Dark-eyed Juncos will soon be leaving these southern realms for their breeding territories in the north.
A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) glowed like a beacon in the dark, but seemed reluctant to show himself completely.
American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) are already nesting, so it's likely that this individual has been unable to secure a mate.
To borrow from the musical Carousel, the maple (genus Acer) in which it is perched is "bustin’ out all over."
Pussy Willows too are racing into spring.
It was a cool day and not many insects were active, but a cluster fly (genus Pollenia) was drawn to the Colt's Foot.
Unless my memory is faulty, we don't see House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) with nearly the frequency of even just a few years ago, so it was with added pleasure that we observed this pair, with the female carrying nesting material.
I feel mildly chauvinistic in pointing out that the male is very fetching in his crimson livery.
The fact that daffodils are ubiquitous throughout the woodland is a bit of a puzzle for me. There are houses bordering either side of the park, but many of the plants are too far from the back fences of the residences to have been planted by homeowners to add a little colour outside their boundaries.
I am assuming this plant is Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) - but I could be wrong!
Here's another look at a graceful grackle.
Chattering, scampering, noisy, argumentative squirrels are rarely far from view and it was entirely appropriate that this comely individual came to see us off.
I am pretty sure I heard him yell, "Next time, bring food!"
