A few days ago, I photographed some distant Blue-winged Teal here at Col. Sam Smith Park.

Today I arrived at dawn once again, and was surprised to see that a Teal was still here and, apparently growing accustomed to human presence, was coming much closer.

I was also able to photograph another “bluish” bird – a male Yellow-rumped Warbler:

MYSTERY BIRD

At the end of the post, I will identify it.

Here is what my grandfather, ornithologist Dr. J. Murray Speirs said about Red-breasted Mergansers: They always strike me as a high-spirited fowl, “having a ball”, diving, chasing, flying to a new fishing area, “necking”, and having great fun. “Anthropomorphism” you may object, but just watch them and see for yourself.

A small group were doing just that this morning:

Other birds:

There is always some competition between House Sparrows and Tree Swallows for the boxes which are put up in parks:

Someone apparently has begun putting bird seed on top of a few boxes. Probably done with good intentions, Tree Swallows are insect not seed eaters. This sign has appeared:

I have never heard of a Tree Swallow being killed by a House Sparrow though House Sparrows can nest in many places and, in a perfect world, would leave the boxes for the swallows.

MYSTERY BIRD

The dark wings and white eye patch make this a female Long-tailed Duck in summer plumage.

NATURE POETRY

This is the weather the cuckoo likes,
And so do I;
When showers betumble the chestnut spikes,
And nestlings fly.                                                      – Thomas Hardy

Miles Hearn