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

Richmond Hill Millpond Park

Mute Swans

Double-crested Cormorant and Canada Goose

A muse

                                                                                                                                 Photos by BarrytheBirder

Please comment if you wish.

BtheB

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

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

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

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

First junco of the season

Photo by BarrytheBirder

Female Dark-eyed Junco ~ arrived Oct. 12th

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 

Swan duet

Photo by BarrytheBirder

Mute Swans
MacKenzie Richmond Hill Hospital
(formerly York Central Hospital)

Thanksgiving Day

Photo by BarrytheBirder

Wild Turkeys ~ King City, Ontario

Please comment if you wish.

BtheB

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