Smooth Rock Survey and a Challenge for Me: June 2021

I left Kapuskasing at 3:15 am and headed for the start of the Smooth Rock Falls Survey which begins 40 kms north of that town. It is surprising how many trucks are on the Trans Canada Highway at that hour.

MYSTERY BIRD

I will identify it at the end of the post.

I’ve finished the audio book Waging Heavy Peace by Neil Young and now have something lighter on while driving: an autobiography by Martin Short.

Today was my 4th straight day with a survey and I notice that it is almost impossible to get a good view of most of the birds that I am listening to and counting.

Certainly it is a distinct pleasure to hear 11 species within a 3 minute time period as I did this morning at stop 29: sandhill crane, alder flycatcher, red-breasted nuthatch, ruby-crowned kinglet, American robin, white-throated sparrow, common yellowthroat and Tennessee, Nashville, northern parula and magnolia warbler.

Still after the survey, I looked for a good spot with lots of singing and did my best to photograph some of the singers. It took me almost 2 hours to get these photos as the birds are often far from me and flit about in, in most cases, heavy bush.

Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay (first summer)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Purple Finch
Purple Finch
Purple Finch
Purple Finch
Purple Finch
Purple Finch
Gray Jay (first summer)
American Redstart (male)
American Redstart (male)
American Redstart (male)
American Redstart (male)

Other photos:

Gray Jay (first summer)
Gray Jay (first summer)
American Crow
Cliff Swallow colony
Cliff Swallow
Tiger Swallowtail

Some botany:

Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris)
Northern Bluebells (Mertensia paniculata)
Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana)
Mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)
Large-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
Mountain Maple (Acer spicata)
Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)
Mountain-ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

MYSTERY BIRD

I get about one of these in each northern survey. The “white spectacles” identify it as a Blue-headed Vireo.

Blue-headed Vireo

MAILBAG

Have you ever seen an eagle blink?

NATURE POETRY

The river is a flat, shining chain.  

The moon, rising, is a white eye to the hills; 

After it has risen, it is the bright heart of the sea. 

Because I love it—so—round as a fan, 

I hum songs until the dawn.                                                   – Li Po (701–762)

Miles Hearn

3 thoughts on “Smooth Rock Survey and a Challenge for Me: June 2021

  1. Christine Dick

    Hi Miles I have so enjoyed your posts from the north. It brings back memories. I have driven to Chapleau leaving the highway at Thesselon. It is a beautiful drive. Thank you for sharing. The birds, of course, are amazing!

    Reply
  2. Lisa Volkov

    Beautiful birds. Nice pictures! You did very well. Nice botany (and butterfly) too! Thanks, Miles!

    Reply

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