A last-minute rescue
January 6th, 2016

So how have things fared with our two western visitors? Answer: about how I expected, but with one bit of unexpected good news.

The Western Bluebird indeed disappeared after that big snowfall in late December, and has not been seen since. I like to think she finally headed south.

The Bullock's Oriole carried on in Pakenham, probably unable to build enough energy reserves to migrate. She continued to be able to eat crabapples (and orange slices offered by local residents) in her favorite tree even after the heavy snow. It was the sharp drop in temperature afterwards that really spelled the end for this neotropical migrant. Yesterday, after several days of trying to stay warm near a gas metre on someone's house, she was found emaciated and barely able to move.

The good news is people were then able to capture the oriole and take her to the Wild Bird Care Centre, where she is alive and eating well! She is expected to spend the rest of the winter in their care.

Pileated Woodpecker At Beaver Trail ←

→ A Blizzard Of Snow Geese