I haven’t seen a shoveler in months so was happy to see one early this morning at Col. Sam Smith Park.
This is essentially a bird of the prairies though some are seen in our area every year.
The oversize “Donald Duck” bill is the best field mark:
MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post:
May is the happy month when Baltimore Orioles seem to be everywhere:
I was able to photograph a female (does not have black head):
The Least Flycatcher is a bird often heard in the right habitat but seldom seen. It is identified by its “chebec” song.
Other birds on this midge-full morning:
MYSTERY BIRD
The yellow patch before the wing, white throat, black stripes and brownish-gray colour indicate that this is a female Yellow-rumped Warbler.
MAILBOX
Hello Miles.
Sorry we’re going to have to wait until the fall until being able to go on walks with you. Meanwhile, very much enjoying your daily posts. Thank you for all the many hours you put in keeping your fans informed and entertained.
Apropos of your previous post about garlic mustard – and one of your reader’s suggestion that it be labelled an aphrodisiac – this appeared today in Blog T.O.
NATURE THOUGHT
The hum of bees is the voice of the garden. – Elizabeth Lawrence (1904–85)
Miles Hearn
Another sensational collection.
What a blessing!
ms
Again, such wonderful pictures. Such a delight to see!
And yes, I took a guess at the mystery bird, an educated(?) guess. Well, based on the odds, anyway: “A Warbler.” Of course, I couldn’t come up with anything more specific, but at least I’m imprinting the idea (and appearance) of Warblers on my mind!
And yes, there were some great pictures of females, here–that one, and the female Oriole–still very orange, like the male, but without the black head! We tend to be able to identify the males more readily because of their distinctive plumage, but it’s really great to see what the female looks like, too. And how will I ever forget what a Shoveler bill, both male and female, looks like, now?
Thanks, Miles!