I headed out to Col. Sam Smith Park at dawn on this day:
English Garden Snail
As they often are by the lake, midges were everywhere:
MidgesMidges
So were birdwatchers. Every year, around this time, flocks of Whimbrels fly past. I hoped to see them but, no luck. Here is a photo I took in the past of a Whimbrel:
Whimbrel
Even at dawn, keen photographers were hopeful and ready.
While there were no Whimbrels, I was able to photograph many birds:
The Orchard Oriole is becoming more common in Southern Ontario. Previously, Point Peele was about as far north as they came. Even further south in their habitat of scrubby woods and hedgegrows with isolated tall trees especially near water, they are uncommon. Their diet consists of insects, larvae, fruit and nectar. I was fortunate to see (and hear) several on this day.
Then came fair May, the fairest maid on ground, Decked all with dainties of her season’s pride, And throwing flowers out of her lap around: Upon two brethrens’ shoulders she did ride, The twins of Leda, which on either side Supported her like to their sovereign Queen. – Edmund Spenser (1522–99)
3 thoughts on “Orchard Oriole at Col. Sam Smith Park: May 2020”
George
I gather that this year is not good for Whimbrels at this location. Are they going somewhere different? Or? I was out at Whimbrel Point on Sunday (not at dawn!) and a small flock had been seen at about 5:30 am. I didn’t see any in the short time I was present. What have you heard, Miles?
great pictures….whimbrel? never heard about it b4….funny looking bird, look at those BIG FEET….also, long beak. Orchard Oriole? also a new term for me, thanks Miles, very educational!!!!
Rosemarie Fischer
Again, one of my favorite places. And yes–the Whimbrels (so that’s how they are spelled!) Never mind–you included a picture, and you got so many wonderful pictures of wonderful birds–though I know you would have liked to see the Whimbrels, too.
And yes, a dog in a boat! Once again, so many thanks for this, Miles. Those birds! If I could remember how to spell them without looking up again, I would single some more out for special mention–though of course, ALL of them were special! Thanks!
I gather that this year is not good for Whimbrels at this location. Are they going somewhere different? Or? I was out at Whimbrel Point on Sunday (not at dawn!) and a small flock had been seen at about 5:30 am. I didn’t see any in the short time I was present. What have you heard, Miles?
great pictures….whimbrel? never heard about it b4….funny looking bird, look at those BIG FEET….also, long beak. Orchard Oriole? also a new term for me, thanks Miles, very educational!!!!
Rosemarie Fischer
Again, one of my favorite places. And yes–the Whimbrels (so that’s how they are spelled!) Never mind–you included a picture, and you got so many wonderful pictures of wonderful birds–though I know you would have liked to see the Whimbrels, too.
And yes, a dog in a boat! Once again, so many thanks for this, Miles. Those birds! If I could remember how to spell them without looking up again, I would single some more out for special mention–though of course, ALL of them were special! Thanks!