Red-necked Grebes at Humber Bay: April 2021

Red-necked Grebes get “all dressed up” for spring.

Red-necked Grebe
Red-necked Grebes
Red-necked Grebes

Compare that to the winter plumage.

Red-necked Grebe

Here is the description of the song from Sibley Birds: A loud series, beginning with nasal, gull-like quality, then braying chatter with quavering end. Also a loud, nasal quacking series ga-ga-ga-ga.

Red-necked Grebes

A few Horned Grebes were aso present:

Horned Grebe
Horned Grebe

American Goldfinch males also undergo a major colour change in spring. I saw this male today:

American Goldfinch (male)
American Goldfinch (male)

In winter, males look like females:

American Goldfinch (female)

Other birds:

Dark-eyed Junco
Brown-headed Cowbird (male)
Mallards
Canada Geese
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Song Sparrow
Black-capped Chickadee
Mallards (male)
Ring-billed Gull
Song Sparrow
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Killdeer
Killdeer
Red-breasted Mergansers
Red-breasted Merganser (male)
Red-breasted Merganser (male)

NATURE POETRY

It was an April morning: fresh and clear
The Rivulet, delighting in its strength,
Ran with a young man’s speed; and yet the voice
Of waters which the winter had supplied. – Wm. Wordsworth

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “Red-necked Grebes at Humber Bay: April 2021

  1. Gail

    Miles, those colourful bird photos are a treat to behold. There is little action at our feeders for some reason so they are doubly appreciated !

    I know we will all be writing to lament the cancellation and to beg you to allow small groups of us to engage you to take us ….. if you do consider that I would be so pleased !!!

    Reply
  2. Lisa Volkov

    I’m really sorry the spring walks had to be cancelled, Miles. I know many people will be disappointed!
    I really hope that you will continue to share your wonderful pictures of nature, birds and botany with us in posts. I look forward to seeing them every day, as I look forward to the day when bird walks can resume. These pictures of birds today are really wonderful. I delight in experiencing the arrival/unfolding of spring through your photographs. Thank you so much, Miles!

    Reply

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