It's begun
March 15th, 2011

Migration has begun. In fact, it's well underway! Four spring firsts at Mud Lake this morning: Canada Geese by the dozens, several Red-Winged Blackbirds singing on territory, a pair of Hooded Mergansers, and last but not least, five Wood Ducks--the earliest I've ever seen that species in Ottawa. These early birds arrive in a land still crusted with snow and ice, still below freezing at night and with precious few natural food sources. They tough it out so they can claim their breeding grounds early.

Ring-Billed Gulls have been reported back in Ottawa as of March 1st--my first sighting was a few days ago. They're everywhere now. Some people turn up their noses at this common, noisy urban species, but I like them. They're quite handsome up close, in their crisp breeding plumage, and their tameness affords the opportunity for excellent photos.

Brant ←

→ Greed