Shovelers, Orioles and a Least Flycatcher: May 2021

I haven’t seen a shoveler in months so was happy to see one early this morning at Col. Sam Smith Park.

Northern Shovelers

This is essentially a bird of the prairies though some are seen in our area every year.

Northern Shoveler (male)

The oversize “Donald Duck” bill is the best field mark:

Northern Shovelers
Northern Shoveler (male)

MYSTERY BIRD

I will identify it at the end of the post:

May is the happy month when Baltimore Orioles seem to be everywhere:

Baltimore Oriole (male)
Baltimore Oriole (male)
Baltimore Oriole (male)
Baltimore Oriole (male)

I was able to photograph a female (does not have black head):

Baltimore Oriole (female)
Baltimore Oriole (female)
Baltimore Oriole (female)

The Least Flycatcher is a bird often heard in the right habitat but seldom seen. It is identified by its “chebec” song.

Least Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher

Other birds on this midge-full morning:

Midges
Mute Swan
Cedar Waxwing
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Cedar Waxwing
House Finch (male)
House Finch (male)
House Finch (male)
Warbling Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Warbling Vireo
American Goldfinch (male)
Common Terns
Tree Swallow
Common Tern
Ring-billed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird
Song Sparrow
American Goldfinch (male)
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow
Mute Swan
Yellow Warbler (male)
Common Grackle
Northern Parula Warbler
Red-necked Grebe

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.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (female)

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.

https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/05/theres-invasive-weed-taking-over-toronto-right-now-s-actually-delicious/

NATURE THOUGHT

The hum of bees is the voice of the garden.   – Elizabeth Lawrence (1904–85)

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “Shovelers, Orioles and a Least Flycatcher: May 2021

  1. Lisa Volkov

    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!

    Reply

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