.JPG)
.JPG)
Photos by Michelle Herder
Yesterday in this space I wrote about Merlin photos taken by Michele Herder in Burlington Ontario. Today, I'd like to make particular remarks about this special raptor. Merlins are generally uncommon but are found across Canada, across the western and central United States and along the eastern U.S. coastline.
Birder legend Kenn Kaufman describes the Merlin as "a compact, dashing falcon, very fast and direct in flight". He further describes them as usually uncommon, seen as scattered singles, but sometimes seen in fair numbers, as along coastlines during migration, adding that in recent decades, they have become fairly common residents around some towns on northern prairies and nearby regions.
While generally uncommon, this bird is a powerful flyer and does not hover. It catches birds in flight. It is also mostly silent.
The Audubon Society says this bird, formerly known as the "Pigeon Hawk", is most abundant during migrations of shorebirds, sparrows, warblers, and other small birds on which it feeds, adding that this little, swift and aggressive falcon harasses larger hawks and gulls and as well as attacking intruders at its nest.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Photos by BarrytheBirder
Red-winged Blackbird
Central North American bird species facing significant declines include grassland birds (sparrows, larks, many insectivores (warblers, flycatchers), and even common backyard birds such as Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows, with some reports indicating 3/4s of all species are declining, driven by habitat loss, climate change, and insect declines. Major losses are seen in Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Meadowlarks, Starlings, and various sparrows, affecting ecosystems across the continent, from prairies to forests. Almost 3 billion birds have disappeared in just over 50 years according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Key bird groups in decline
Grassland Birds: This group has seen drastic losses (around 53% since 1970), including species like Western Meadowlarks and various sparrows.
Insectivores: Many ground-foraging and canopy-dwelling insect-eaters are struggling, such as Blue-winged Warblers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers,
Common Backyard Birds: Even familiar species like Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows are contributing to overall losses.
Wetland Birds: While some waterfowl have recovered, Red-winged Blackbirds, a common wetland bird, have seen massive declines!
Please comment if you wish.
Barry the Birder
.JPG)
Kenn Kaufmann, in his 'Birds of North America', says 'Little roving flocks of Black-capped Chickadees are often the brightest spark of life in bleak winter woods.' I agree. They are found from Alaska, across southern Canada to Newfoundland and across the northern half of the United States throughout the year. Kaufmann goes on to say that 'In the northeast, quite a few sometimes move south in the fall, but flight only reaches the southern edge of usual range'. Callnotes are quite varied, including a chattering chick-a-dee-dee-dee.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Photos by BarrytheBirder
.JPG)
Females are buffy brown or buffy olive, tinged with red on the wings, crest and tail. The Cardinal song is a loud, liquid whistling with many variations. Both sexes sing almost year-round. Their common call is a sharp chip. They are abundant throughout their range inhabiting woodland edges, swamps, streamside thickets, and suburban gardens, especially near feeders.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
Photos by BarrytheBirder
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Photos by BarrytheBirder
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
