In some years past, I have arrived in Northern Ontario on June 1st to find that the leaves are not yet out on the trees. That’s not the case this year and I had great weather both for this morning’s survey and for the drive to Manitoulin Island.
Here is how it looked this morning near Carr which is south-west of North Bay.
MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post.
I was greeted with much lively singing from American Bittern, Wilson’s Snipe, Sandhill Crane, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and many others. This includes 4 thrush species: Robin, Veery, Hermit Thrush and Swainson’s Thrush.
Everyone loves seeing an Indigo Bunting and I had several this morning.
Other birds that I was able to photograph:
Some Botany:
After the survey, I drove to Manitoulin Island. In other years, I have taken the ferry from Tobermory but it is not operating due to Covid concerns.
Here are some views of Gore Bay which is near the starting point for tomorrow’s survey.
MYSTERY BIRD
This orangish-brown forest bird has soft brown-speckled spots on its neck. A Veery. Their song sounds like “veery”.
MAILBOX
Hi Miles Took this picture of the Grebes during our morning walks at Humber. I really enjoy all your daily info and pictures. Keep well
NATURE POETRY
Thy shadow, Earth, from Pole to Central Sea,
Now steals along upon the Moon’s meek shine
In even monochrome and curving line
Of imperturbable serenity. – Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)
Miles Hearn
Thanks you Miles – fascinating. I have not ever seen an Indigo Bunting so I look for the day. HAve also never been to Manitoulin so this was terrific.
Keep em coming – I enjoy all your posts so much.
Thank you so very much for all the lovely photos each and every day. And your travels for bird survey work is fascinating. I stayed at the Inn at Gore Bay once quite some time ago and looking at photo brought back a lovely memory. I appreciate all your efforts to bring us this meriiment. The indigo bird is so gorgeous–never have I see one. Keep well.
The gorgeous blues of the earlier landscapes complement the blue of the Indigo Bunting. Great pictures! I’ve been to Manitoulin Island. The parts that I’ve seen are very different from a lot of The North. Loved the “Grebes and young” picture that somebody sent. Thanks, Miles!
Thank you for all your wonderful photos every day, Miles. In a lifetime of birding, I’ve seen only one Indigo Bunting: in 2008, working at Sunnybrook Hospital, we’d all walk along the path down to Sunnybrook park at lunch. There, on a middle tree branch, sat a singing Indigo Bunting! My non-birding colleague thought I was having a heart attack because I suddenly started gasping, sputtering and pointing!