Category Archives: birds

  When there is a sexual difference in bird plumage, it is usually the males that are the grandiloquent ones. This is apparently the result of sexual selection. Females prefer the strongly patterned and brightly coloured males variously as an … Continue reading →

  For years, I have enjoyed watching the occasional Ruffed Grouse forage in my yard, but aside from a hen with chicks, would only see one at a time. After all, the adult leads a solitary life, except for brief encounters … Continue reading →

  Winter is the time to see redpolls. These birds of the Arctic head south for the winter. They are named for their red polls (i.e., crowns, see previous posting), and seem to come in two species: Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll. … Continue reading →

  The House Finch is a common bird in the urban areas of southern Canada. Arising in the west, it has spread eastward. This is not a rare bird.  Yet, it is more readily accepted than other interlopers, such as … Continue reading →

  The best place around the Lake to see hawks during the winter seems to be on the Creston Flats (at the south end of the Lake). On the West Arm, where I live, Red-tailed Hawks are seen, but usually … Continue reading →

  The Sun came out; the birds came out; I came out — and took a distinctly odd picture. We are used to seeing folded wings on perched birds, and extended wings on flying birds. But, this shot shows folded wings on … Continue reading →

  “Ok, I know that that obnoxious photographer (the one who tries to muscle in on my personal territory) recently made fun of my attempt to wander my domain in privacy. I was mortified by the insensitivity of his treatment. The truth … Continue reading →

  Humour depends upon one’s perspective, so while this grouse may not think itself funny, I do. Grouse have cryptic plumage, which allows them to blend with the undergrowth. The camouflage extends to moving at a funereal pace. By walking very … Continue reading →