It seems that the earliest bird I hear singing every January is the House Finch. Cardinals often begin their whistles around the same time.
House Finches originated in southwestern North America as you can determine by their scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
They were sold for a time in New York pet shops under the name “Hollywood Finch” due to the pink colouring of the males.
Eventually some escaped and gradually spread to other areas. I had my first in Toronto in the early 1980’s.
They often associate with House Sparrows as they were on this day:
I walked by the Credit River today:
Other birds:
Some botany:
The area here near Derry Road has many, many streets full of upscale suburban homes.
It was a surprise to suddenly come upon the former village of Meadowvale encircled in modernity.
NATURE QUOTE
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. – Anne Bradstreet
Miles Hearn
Well, it hasn’t been much of a winter so far. But I’d better be careful what I wish for, and I don’t really wish it, because I know it will be more difficult, even if it looks more like “winter”!
Meanwhile, all this is very beautiful. And I get to see the Wayfaring Tree, along with other wonderful buds and birds. I love the colours of the House Finches. The first time I saw one, during a hike, I was very concerned, because I thought it was a “cage bird” that had escaped from somebody’s home and was in danger of its life! Of course, I later learned otherwise. Thanks, Miles!
beautiful pictures,those finches are gorgeous……thanks Miles