Experts tell us that in species where the male and female look the same, males and females take equal responsibility in the raising of the young.

Red-necked Grebes usually lay 4 – 5 eggs which must be incubated for 21 – 33 days. That is a lot of sitting. Today, at Col. Sam Smith Park, I was able to photograph the moments when the parents exchange places.

One parent swims to the nest and greets the other:

The “sitting” parent verifies the condition of the eggs,

prepares to leave

and swims off in search of food.

The returning parent then climbs in the nesting box and rotates the eggs

and prepares for a long shift.

MYSTERY BIRD

I will identify it at the end of the post.

I’ve been studying warbler songs since I was a teenager and have a great deal of experience identifying them by song during many northern Ontario Breeding Bird Surveys.

Even so, if possible, I like to spot the bird to verify my identification.

American Redstarts have a variety of calls. Some are obvious and others are not. I heard one of the “are not” variety this morning and decided to wait until I could see the singer among the dense foliage.

This took 45 MINUTES but finally my suspicions were confirmed.

The Orchard Oriole has a very loud and easily recognizable song. 45 minutes were not required.

Other birds:

MYSTERY BIRD

The Northern Parula Warbler is a bluish warbler with a yellow throat and breast. The male has a dark band across the breast:

NATURE POETRY

You see, my friend, there’s no one who can love you more
Than your very own parents, that’s for sure.
Always remember this is true,
That wherever you go, your parents will be there for you. – Ann Tram

Miles Hearn