Category Archives: birds

  It is a delight to spend time in the company of owls. Yet it is striking that very often of late, the one with which I spend the most time is the Northern Pygmy Owl. The explanation is simple: … Continue reading →

  My favourite Ruffed Grouse is featured on these pages a few times a year for it is an occasional visitor to my yard. For three seasons, my friend is difficult to espy so well does it blend into its … Continue reading →

  In the winter, colours are often muted. A Ruffed Grouse wanders through the snow, seemingly unaware of its ineffective camouflage. Barrow’s Goldeneye Ducks are surrounded by light-flecked waves.

  This is a posting that only an ardent birder could enjoy: the apparent sighting of a Harlan’s Hawk near Wynndel. (That this bird was a Harlan’s has now been confirmed by Brian Wheeler who examined six of the pictures … Continue reading →

  “Just ignore this snag; there is nothing but snow and bark up here.”

  About a week ago, I posted some images of reddish birds feasting on rowan berries: Pine Grosbeaks and a Red-shafted Northern Flicker. Today, I add two more reddish birds to the list of birds that seem to appreciate these … Continue reading →

  In 1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was started in the U.S. and Canada as a counter measure to the sport of the day of seeing how many birds could be killed. The more civilized sport of seeing how … Continue reading →

  The Rowan Tree is generally known as the Mountain Ash in North America. Yet, I must admit that I am partial to the earlier name. Rowan comes from an Old Norse name that means “getting red”, a reference to … Continue reading →

  • Some humans are wont to mark the transition from one year to the next. • Some humans are wont to treat birds metaphorically. Two Common Mergansers leave familiar waters, and settle into new ones.