After several days exploring woodland habitat and finding few birds, I ventured to Col. Sam Smith Park just after sunrise to see what was about.

The Redwings are here in numbers:

In addition. there were Lesser Scaup:

Because these birds were feeding in shallow water close to shore and had peaked heads (somewhat) I took them to be Lesser Scaup and not Greater Scaup who prefer deep water and have a rounder head.

Other birds:

Park views:

MAILBOX

Hi Miles,

Someone sent me this video of songbirds. I recognise the kookaburra, so perhaps they are all Australian. No others are known to me. Thought you’d find it interesting.

Enjoying all your postings through the pandemic

NATURE POETRY

Nor do they only wait for me to come,
Withdrawn, expectant; but amid the din
Of cities, and upon the crowded streets,
I feel the brick and mortar fade away,
Aud find the woods around me once again,

Tall, shadowy, protecting, Once again
I hear the woodland murmurs like a hymn,
And on my troubled spirit lies once more
The peaceful benediction of the trees.       – Amos Russel Wells (1862-1933)

Miles Hearn