Some birds are considered so impressive that the word “great” is part of their common name. I’m thinking of the Great Horned Owl or the Great Black-backed Gull. The Great Crested Flycatcher also has this moniker.

I saw two of these “great” birds this morning at Humber Bay. Birds in this urban environment are fairly trusting of people and allow a closer approach than their more rural cousins do.

Great Blue Heron:

Great Egret

MYSTERY BIRD

I will identify it at the end of the post.

Other birds:

If I am fortunate enough to spot a mink, it is usually at some distance and for a very short period of time.

Today, however, this fellow came within a few feet of me as I suspect that I was standing in the middle of its usual shoreline trail.

MYSTERY BIRD

Unlike the warblers which are passing through these days, this bird stays with us all winter. An American Goldfinch.

A Personal Hummingbird Story

I’ve noticed over the past week or so that hummingbirds have not been frequenting my red hummingbird feeder. Some approach it, have a sniff and turn away. What is going on? Then it occurred to me. When I last filled it with homemade nectar, I may have accidentally mixed in Splenda artificial sweetener instead of sugar (My wife is sure of it). Down came the feeder, a mixture of 1 cup water and one quarter cup sugar was added and – problem solved. Contented hummingbirds once again grace the garden.

NATURE POETRY

Love’s stories written in love’s richest books.
To fan the moonbeams from his sleeping eyes. – Shakespeare

Miles Hearn