Tiding Us Over
March 30th, 2017
In mid-May, Michael is joining me for a four-day bird-watching trip to Point Pelee, led by birding dynamo Jon Ruddy. This will be my third time in Point Pelee at the height of spring migration, and I'm thrilled to be going back. Hopefully, for the first time, I can get good photos of the warbler extravaganza. (The first time I got some photos, but mostly not of warblers. The second time my back gave out and I had to stow the camera away. This time, I'm planning to buy a camera harness to help with the back issues.)
In the meantime, here are a few recent and not-so-recent photos. This first one is the last of my summer 2016 backlog. I call it "Reaching For The Sun", which is rather what I'm doing around now in Ottawa!
1680x1050 wallpaper
This young male Harlequin Duck (the brown one in the middle) spent the winter on the Rideau River, often near Hurdman Bridge. On this day in mid-January he was keeping close company with a group of young male (the leftmost duck) and adult male Common Goldeneyes. The large majority of Harlequins live in the west, breeding on turbulent mountain streams in places like Banff. The Atlantic population, which is presumably where this one strayed in from, is small and endangered.
The adult male Harlequin is spectacularly handsome; unfortunately we seldom see one of those here in Ottawa. However, we might if this guy sticks around long enough! I saw him again just today, and while he wasn't showing much color yet, the markings on his face were a lot more well-defined and striking.
1680x1050 wallpaper
It saddens me that birders snub so many interesting birds because they're common, or non-native, or otherwise uncool. I've made it my mission to keep seeing the beauty in what some call "dirt birds." Today's exhibit: a resplendent Rock Pigeon, sharing birdseed with another pigeon and a Red Squirrel along the Rideau River.
Photographed just a few days ago, goldfinches at my kitchen balcony feeder. These two males are molting out of their drab winter plumage and into their dazzling yellow summer plumage. The one on the left was further along in his molt and looking very pretty, I think!
March 30th, 2017
In mid-May, Michael is joining me for a four-day bird-watching trip to Point Pelee, led by birding dynamo Jon Ruddy. This will be my third time in Point Pelee at the height of spring migration, and I'm thrilled to be going back. Hopefully, for the first time, I can get good photos of the warbler extravaganza. (The first time I got some photos, but mostly not of warblers. The second time my back gave out and I had to stow the camera away. This time, I'm planning to buy a camera harness to help with the back issues.)
In the meantime, here are a few recent and not-so-recent photos. This first one is the last of my summer 2016 backlog. I call it "Reaching For The Sun", which is rather what I'm doing around now in Ottawa!
1680x1050 wallpaper
This young male Harlequin Duck (the brown one in the middle) spent the winter on the Rideau River, often near Hurdman Bridge. On this day in mid-January he was keeping close company with a group of young male (the leftmost duck) and adult male Common Goldeneyes. The large majority of Harlequins live in the west, breeding on turbulent mountain streams in places like Banff. The Atlantic population, which is presumably where this one strayed in from, is small and endangered.
The adult male Harlequin is spectacularly handsome; unfortunately we seldom see one of those here in Ottawa. However, we might if this guy sticks around long enough! I saw him again just today, and while he wasn't showing much color yet, the markings on his face were a lot more well-defined and striking.
1680x1050 wallpaper
It saddens me that birders snub so many interesting birds because they're common, or non-native, or otherwise uncool. I've made it my mission to keep seeing the beauty in what some call "dirt birds." Today's exhibit: a resplendent Rock Pigeon, sharing birdseed with another pigeon and a Red Squirrel along the Rideau River.
Photographed just a few days ago, goldfinches at my kitchen balcony feeder. These two males are molting out of their drab winter plumage and into their dazzling yellow summer plumage. The one on the left was further along in his molt and looking very pretty, I think!
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Mike
March 30th, 2017 at 8:18 am
I like the Black-Eyed Susans and the iridescent pigeon; I think the goldfinches steal the show on composition, though!
mustangsallie
March 30th, 2017 at 8:54 pm
Golfinches are always pretty. As to your back issues, why not let your husky husband share in carrying the load (camera) on your planned trip in May. Hope you will be having lovely Spring weather.
ilanikhan
March 31st, 2017 at 6:28 am
I appreciate your ability to see and to share the beauty in things often over looked. Thank you.