I headed out to Marie Curtis Park hoping to photograph the terns and gulls which sometimes perch on the railings at the mouth of Etobicoke Creek. Too many people walking about I guess, as there was not a single one.
Option 2 was to visit the 2 ponds which are located out on the former arsenal lands.




Better luck here, especially with Goldfinches who were busy harvesting Canada Thistle plumes. In Québec a thistle is a chardon and goldfinches are named chardonnerets after their love for these plants.







MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post.

Other birds:












After a long winter of hibernation, Painted Turtles luxuriate in the warmth of the sun.






Some botany:















MYSTERY BIRD
Stocky, rather long-tailed with some bold coarse streaks indicate a Song Sparrow.

NATURE POETRY
I meant to do my work today—
But a brown bird sang in the apple-tree
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me. – Richard Le Gallienne (1866–1947)
Miles Hearn
Thank you for your enlightening comment about the origin of the word “chardonneret” and for the great pictures!
Well, I thought “Sparrow”, anyway!
Such gorgeous pictures! And yes, I remember the sight of untold numbers of Goldfinches among the Thistles on the side of the Don Valley nearest the highway, on the way to Pottery Road (going south). Thanks, Miles!
gorgeous photos!!!! the birds look like they’re “posing” for you!!! just really wonderful!!!
thanks Miles
Thanks so much.