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Oct 31, 2012

Hardy bird


Photo by BarrytheBirder
This Great Blue Heron, preening itself, is one of many I saw today along the banks of the Holland Marsh canals, in northern King Township today.   The herons usually hang around until freeze-up before heading south.   In fact, if there are open patches of water to fish, the herons can sometimes be seen walking elsewhere on the water that has frozen over.   Such is their hardiness that some Great Blues often remain through cold north winters, as long as there is some access to open water and food.
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Oct 27, 2012

Richmond Hill Millpond Park


Mute Swans
Double-crested Cormorant and Canada Goose
A muse
                                                                                                                                 Photos by BarrytheBirder
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Oct 26, 2012

Headless heron?


Photo by BarrytheBirder
I thought I would post another photo of the Tricolored Heron that I featured in my last blog.   While the previous blog-photo captured the heron in what might be considered a flamenco dancer pose, the photo above has a somewhat spooky aspect to it.   Herons sometimes spread their wings to shade the water while looking for fish.   Both photos show the heron in non-breeding plumage.   A white crown plume and pale rump plumes are seen on this bird during breeding season.
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Oct 25, 2012

Tricolored Heron


Photo by Barry Wallace
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor

Rather than publish one too many more photos of Great Blue Herons in Canada, I thought I would dig back in my archives for a slightly different heron.   I photographed this Tricoloured Heron with its resplendent wings and grand pose in Cozumel two years ago.   
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Oct 18, 2012

Photos by Dave Walsh



I included this photo, by photographer Dave Walsh, in a blog which I posted on Sept. 16, 2012.
I would also like to direct readers of my blogsite to Dave's website at

davewalshphoto.com
Barry theBirder

Oct 15, 2012

Taking a break before heading south


Fox Sparrow
(Left) White-crowned Sparrow 
(Right) White-throated Sparrow / tan-striped form 
White-throated Sparrow / white-striped form
Female Hooded Mergansers ~ Temperanceville Pond
Photos by BarrytheBirder
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Oct 13, 2012

First junco of the season

Photo by BarrytheBirder
Female Dark-eyed Junco ~ arrived Oct. 12th

Oct 12, 2012

Early morning stake-out


Photo by BarrytheBirder
mmCOOPER'S HAWKmm
Accipiter cooperii
This Cooper's Hawk has taken up permanent residence over the past of couple weeks, in the highest branches of a dying Ash tree in the backyard.   It is creating havoc at the birdfeeders below, especially among the Mourning Doves.   The shot above was taken early in the morning, in the rising sun.   It returns several times throughout the day.   Looks  healthy and well-fed, doesn't it?
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB 

Oct 10, 2012

Swan duet


Photo by BarrytheBirder
Mute Swans
MacKenzie Richmond Hill Hospital
(formerly York Central Hospital)

Oct 9, 2012

Thanksgiving Day


Photo by BarrytheBirder
Wild Turkeys ~ King City, Ontario
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Oct 1, 2012

Prettiest sparrow?


Photos by BarrytheBirder
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Many describe the White-crowned Sparrow's appearance as handsome, elegant, distinctive and striking.   I have to agree on all counts.   It is also a good-sized bird (up to 7") with a smart erect posture.   I only see it twice a year, in southern Ontario: once during spring migration and again during fall migration.   It is always a treat to see its smart appearance and its distinctive 2-footed kick at leaf litter as it forages on the ground.
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB