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