on my way with wandering warblers! (90-93)

The bird frenzy continues in the yard. Yesterday I spotted chickadees, american goldfinches, song sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, hummingbirds, flycatchers, crows, black-throated green warblers, gulls (overhead), some birds that I couldn't figure out what they were (either sparrows or grosbeaks, which I know sounds ridiculous, but anyway...), PLUS the following. All without stepping foot outside the house. Wheeee!!

I know these shots are lousy...my house backs onto a public park  and the birds were a bit too far for my 300 mm (I shot from the living room...just call me the lazy birder; in general I am not like this but I have a nasty cold so I took it easy and could kind of keep an eye on the situation throughout the day from the couch!). These are cropped right in. Hmmm...wouldn't it be nice to rent a 600 mm for the weekend? Anyways, I'm so close to 100 that I have my eyes on the prize and I'm not looking back. There's always time to get better shots later! And trust me, I really would love to spend $2000-8000 on a lens, really, I would.

Some of these IDs were tough. First of all, they're all yellow! It's crazy how many variations of yellow birds there are. I think back to my pre-bird nerd years. I would have said, "Hey, there's a yellow bird." Now my friends who know about my birding craze say, "Hey, I saw a really cool duck and thought of you." And I say "Duck? What did it look like? Where was it? What colour was it? What markings did it have? What colour was its bill?" And they look at me like I'm nuts, which I kind of am.

I spent a long time studying the pics in my bird book carefully to pin the features of each one of these birds. Secondly, they're in non-breeding plumage now, so they don't even really look like the typical pictures of each bird. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's website was really helpful in its descriptions and photos of non-breeding plumage.

 90: Nashville Warbler; Kanata; September 9, 2010
Well, you kind of wonder why this called the Nashville Warbler. Does it looks like he likes country to you?

91: Northern Parula; Kanata; September 9, 2010

92: Chestnut-sided warbler (non-breeding); Kanata; September 9, 2010

93: Magnolia Warbler (non-breeding); Kanata; September 9, 2010

NB: Maybe the only bird that Wilson named NOT after himself.

It's interesting because these are all birds that I can see from my house in the park but that will not cross the invisible line of my yard (ok, not so invisible: there is a gate and a hedge). So there is a pretty limited number of birds I see in my backyard proper, but always new ones just on the other side of the hedge. Strange, right?

On another note, the hummers are still around, are coming in droves in fact. It's like they came out of nowhere and they're there throughout the days, sometimes 3 at a time (chasing each other away of course...territorial little buggers!). A few times they came up to the window and stared at me at eye level right through the glass. Finally I figured out they wanted to get to the tropical plant I had in front of me (here I was thinking they were attracted to my pretty face! Paf!) They are so great, they are like part bird, part insect, part fairy tale, part awesome.

backyard birdfest....with hummers! (88-89)

This weekend would have been great for birding, but I was busy fulfilling briesmaid duties. So I was very lucky that I got to telework from home today to see what I was missing!

As soon as the weather warmed up this year, I thought I'd give my hummingbird feeder another go. I'd never had any luck before with it, and this spring was no different. I reluctantly took it back to the garage, until a few weeks ago, I saw a hummingbird zip by the window. I got it back out of the garage and filled it, and still no luck. One day last week, I saw another h-bird in the yard, and it was insistent on getting to the finch feeder, even though the hummingbird feeder was just on the other side of the yard waiting for it! The flowers were faded on it though and I think it liked the bright yellow of the finch feeder ports. At one point it even put its bill into one of the ports...what a disaster! I felt terrible. Matt ran out to the store to get a new feeder that we thought would be more attractive. I was gone for the weekend, and I guess that gave them plenty of time to find it, because today there were hummers chasing each other around just outside the yard, and hummers were visiting steadily throughout the day! Super exciting! Ruby-throats are the only hummingbirds in these parts. None of them actually had a ruby throat. (All females I guess? Where are the males?)


#88: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird; my backyard in Kanata; September 7, 2010


Find the hummer!
Check out those iridescent wings!

Birds were seriously buzzing around all over the place in that little park behind my place. Here's another one!
#89: Black-Throated Green Warbler; Cattail Creek Park; September 7, 2010

Finally, we put the sunflower feeder out again to attract some new stuff. I know we see Blue Jays every day, but seriously....how beautiful are these birds?

There were some firsts in the yard today. Matt saw a Northern Parula and American Redstarts from the window. I hope they'll stick around so I can see them too!

new backyard bird alert! 87!

I haven't been out birding for the past while, so it was much to my surprise that I looked out the window today, and saw, among a flurry of finches and chickadees and sparrows at the thistle feeder, some new yellow birds! If I hadn't looked closely, I could have easily missed them, but they are decidedly different than finches--all yellow with a little grey cap. I didn't actually see them on the feeder...they were hanging out in the lilac bush right beside it. Not sure if I missed them on the feeder or if the finches/chickadees were being big hogs as usual.

#86: Wilson's Warbler; My backyard in lovely Kanata!; August 26, 2010

I haven't seen this one around before so my guess is he's a traveller!

Now I have come to wonder about this egoistic Wilson dude. I mean, he must have named every bird he found after HIMSELF! So far, I have seen a Wilson's Warbler, a Wilson's Phalarope, and a Wilson's snipe. Anyways, maybe Wilson needs a little bit of recognition...so who the heck was he?

Well, I did a little research to find out, so here is your history lesson for the day. Wilson (1766-1813) was born in Scotland where he was a poet and weaver. He moved to the U.S.A. and that is where he got the birding bug. He decided to make an illustrated set of books of the birds of North America, and this was what inspired Audubon. So now you know.

That little yellow finch feeder has been great. I got rid of the sunflower/regular mix one because the squirrels and chipmunks were devouring the stuff, so I got the thistle seed feeder. It took a while to get visitors, but there are tons now and they seem to empty it in 2-3 days (even though I never see them...as I discovered today, they like to visit during business hours...oh the joy of working from home!). I may put the other one up again for the fall though, and see what I can get!

Now, this may rank as the worst photo on my blog. All I have is my point and shoot, and I just sort of realized that I might complain about my cheapie 70-300mm, but it's still infinitely better than my point and shoot! Just a few more days....unfortunately won't have my camera back to do any shooting on the weekend...again. I'm starting to panic again....am I going to get to 100?? Anyways, I'm going to sit by the window watching the feeder to try and catch another one!

Well, that was a long entry for such a little picture!

had to share...

10 more days till my camera's back in my hot little hands...
for now, enjoy these incredible birds shots!

birding break (#86)

Today I really wanted to get out and find a new bird before my birding hiatus...Matt is going on vacation for a few weeks and kidnapping my camera, so there won't be much to add here unless I can find some sort of decent alternative.

I had been out to Constance Bay once before without luck to see these birds, but after a bunch of reports I decided to try again. It didn't take long to find them; they were chattering away and easy to spot. At first I saw a juvenile, and then one that looked like an adult but with its head not quite fully red, and finally a full adult (it's totally backlit in the shot I got). Really cool birds. At one point there were 3 woodpeckers in one tree---two Redheads and one Hairy, and they seemed not too pleased to share. Interesting to watch!

#86: Red-headed woodpecker; August 11, 2010; Constance Bay (Old Burn site)
juvenile

Since I'll be MIA for a bit, remember you can subscribe via Blogger or RSS feed to be updated when I'm back with new birdies! TTFN

PEC/Algonquin (82-85)

Sorry I've been away folks. Five days canoeing, and now the unfun stuff: lots of unpacking, photo editing, having to go to work, etc!

Aside from the famous duck in PEC, I also saw these guys, which are pretty common but new to me! I enjoyed watching their antics!

#82: House Wren; outside Consecon; July 27, 2010

I also saw a Black Tern at Sandbanks, but didn't manage to get a picture. Oh well!

After a few lovely days in PEC, we headed north to Algonquin Park. One of the best shots (ok, the best shot) I got was of a loon, but I'm torn over whether to post it ....it's a long story. You may see it yet.
Anyways, here are the new birds I got while I was there!

#83: Brown Creeper; Campsite on White Trout Lake; July 30, 2010
I heard about these but could not for the life of me manage to spot one. There were 2 on the site, and the only reason I spotted is because I could hear this rustling on the tree. Very funny birds to watch.

#84: Herring Gull; Joe Lake; August 1, 2010
I guess these guys aren't in Ottawa yet. This was the nice thing about being in Algonquin: it's kind of a different zone so you get to see some different stuff! I'm sure he'll be in Ottawa but I'm still learning migration patterns/timing and all that jazz. He was s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g I guess (or he was about to fly off but decided I wasn't as intimidating as he thought)!

Also of interest.....ducks in a row.

While in the park, I saw other birds that could have made the list....sandhill cranes and ravens being a few, but I missed getting shots. Guess that just means I have to go back!
Saw this guy on the way out of the park. I can't for the life of me tell what it is. It was maybe a bit bigger than a kestrel. I'm thinking Merlin, but maybe a Peregrine? Any comments on this one would be appreciated. What it's eating is a dragonfly (should help not just with diet but also with scale!)!

***UPDATE***
A couple of readers have helped me identify this as a Merlin. Thanks!
#85: Merlin; Hwy 60, just outside of Algonquin Park (east); August 1, 2010

So now I have to figure out my plan for this weekend and decide on what I'll go out looking for. Thanks to those who have left me comments and given me tips on where to find some the birds. I do apreciate it!

one of these things is not like the others....(81)

I had read some reports about a Black-bellied whistling duck in Milford, and since were in PEC on vacation anyways (good timing huh?) I figured we might as well try and find it. Our first attempt on Monday morning was unsuccesful, but we tried again later on in the evening. There were a bunch of cows that had wandered off and I thought for sure our chances would be blown since I thought the cows would have scared it off. We didn't see it at first, but lo and behold, after a few moments, a bunch of ducks emerged from the reeds closest the road. And indeed, one had a bright orange bill.
This duck is totally out of its range (it's from pretty far south....i.e. Mexico and Florida...escaping the oil spill?), and it's a mystery as to how it got here. It was hanging out with a bunch of mallards. It was so strange to watch, as it seemed so intent on "fitting in" with the mallards--it followed them around, preened when they preened, ate when they ate. But it was quite clear the others were giving it a hard time and nipping at it once in a while!
I know I only post one photo per bird, but I figure this is a special case and other birders may be interested!

#81: Black-bellied whistling duck; July 26, 2010 (6:30 pm); Milford, Ontario

All preening.
 
Duck, duck, duck, cow.

Look close! I'm different. Even birds need to go on vacation once in awhile.

One of these things just isn't the same...

Mom trying to get special duck to bugger off. But it's persistent, and rejoined the group.
Can you say identity crisis?!
I'll be off in Algonquin for the next 5 days. Watch for updates when I get back!

a quick trip to Shirley's Bay (78-80)

I'd read several reports that there were some Great Egrets at Shirley's Bay, and wasn't sure if I had missed them or not but I went over there to check it out after work. Ok, I have been on the dyke at DND before but today it was TEEMING with birds...in the bay, on the dyke and in the woods. I definitely wish I had more time, and it was also not the best time since the sun was setting across the bay so all the shorebirds were backlit. I'm definitely heading back sometime soon in the early morning.

First off, I found the egrets! There were 6 that I saw. One was quite close but I wasn't sneaky enough and scared it off to the other side of the bay where the rest of them were. No worries though! I hope I get to see them again, but hopefully closer.

#78: Great Egret; Shirley's Bay; July 21, 2010

I also caught a belted kingfisher, which I have been having a hard time getting goos shots off. The money shot is still out there, but this one will definitely do for now.

#79: Belted Kingfisher; Shirley's Bay; July 21, 2010

On the way out, this bird was singing so loud, and the song is SO familiar that you feel like an idiot not being able to name the bird.
#80 (aka eighty, eight-zero, 4/5, 80% there!!!): Wood Thrush; Shirley's Bay; July 21, 2010
(not too sure why this pic went all pixelly on me...I'll have to try and fix it...)

Ok, so there were SO many birds there that I think if I had stayed long enough I might have been able to come close to filling out my 100. But I will have to go back and hope it's as busy. There were lots and lots of shorebirds but my 300mm is just not going to cut it--most of the people I have seen there use spotting scopes, and the birds scare off so easily so you really can't get close.

**For anyone thinking of birding in this area, please remember to call the range control office (613-991-5740 ) to get permission to enter the dyke area! This will ensure that birders continue to have access. Plus, you don't want to get shot at, do you?

seventy-seven (77 ha!)

I found myself in the east end of lovely Ottawa again this weekend at Petrie Island. Wish I'd had more time there as it was bustling with birds, including this one, which was sneakily (and stubbornly) hiding behind this blade of grass but making an awful lot of noise for such a little dude. I was very excited to finally see "one of the ones with the tail way up!" Also, it is very interesting to know that the males makes about 10 nests in their breeding territory....or something like that.

#77: Marsh Wren; July 18, 2010; Causeway to Petrie Island

where did the weekend go? sigh.... (#74-76)

A four-day weekend has just breezed right by and I'm really not looking forward to going in to work early tomorrow to go to French class!

I stuck around in Ottawa for Canada Day and didn't do too much special aside from some lovely outdoor yoga, a little of my fave new hobby (other than birdwatching) and hanging out with some friends.

We were supposed to be camping all weekeng in New York state but our plans got derailed and we had to drive to Toronto and back to visit Matt's aunt in the hospital. 9 hours of driving in one day...boo.

That left us with Saturday and Sunday so we ended up near Morrisburg/Ingleside at the Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary. We camped there for the night and did some birdwatching on Sunday morning before heading back to Ottawa. Identified about 25 different kinds of birds, including a few new ones.

I was very excited to see an American Redstart, but the picture is lousy...so will need to get that one again.

We went for a short hike the night we arrived and saw this little guy. I almost didn't take a picture thinking it was an Eastern Phoebe, but something seemed a little different. Glad I did because it turns out it is an Eastern Wood Pewee--a similar, but different bird!
#74: Eastern Wood-Pewee; Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary (Ingleside, Ont); July 3, 2010

Another new bird there was a Common Tern, which we watched fish for quite a while! There were a few of them hanging out at the causeway that links the sanctuary to the campground.
#75: Common Tern; Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary (Ingleside, Ont); July 3, 2010

Of course I have seen cormorants but this is the first time one posed nicely and close enough for me
#76: Double-Crested Cormorant; Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary (Ingleside, Ont); July 4, 2010

I got so close to one more, but couldn't figure this one out between Alder Flycatcher and Willow Flycatcher. I think it's an Alder, but that's ok!!

Matt also got this amazing shot of an Eastern Kingbirds with its babies. Awesome!!!

More than three quarters there!