Many of you will have walked beside Highland Creek at Thompson Memorial Park near McCowan and Lawrence in Scarborough. On this -11 degree but sunny morning, I had a look at Highland Creek a little further south and entered its valley just west of Bellamy Road.
It was early enough that the frost remained on some of the plants as you will see in these photographs:
Some birds:
MAILBAG
In response to a question about whether or not to take down a bird feeder if there are predators about:
Hi Miles
That they do (need us) which is why I was reluctant to remove the feeders despite some advice on the internet to do so. And the Brome feeder you recommended has been wonderful. I now also have three suet feeders in addition to Brome feeder with the shelled sunflower seeds and one niger seed feeder. Had five woodpeckers at a time this morning—three species which are regulars—red bellied my fav, downy and Hairy. Have had pine siskins at the sunflower feeder and redpolls at the niger and sunflower feeder. Truly a delight. I’m going to try to put together a one year photo album which I hope will be entitled one hundred birds species in the year of the pandemic:). Only wish I had had the idea earlier as I’m missing some basics I could have easily had like the red breasted nuthatch which was at our feeders for about six weeks and a herring gull which I should still be able to get I’m thinking in the next month. My pandemic birding started March 16 so will finsh then. Am sharing my peregrine pic from that first day as I though you would enjoy. Lunch time at Colonel Sam’s:). Predators are a part of life!
finally i’m thinking of adding a window feeder and have already invested in bird protection on all my windows. the one I would put it on has the dots so now that I think about it not sure the feeder will adhere. But if it does , assume it will be safe? My other windows have the vertical exterior cords
Thanks for all your tips today and in the past.
Ruth
NATURE POETRY
Here all the forces of the wood
As one converge,
To make the soul of solitude
Where all things merge. – Bliss Carman (1861-1929)
Miles Hearn