There is an old adage that the robin is a harbinger of spring. Spring really seems to have arrived when that first robin is spotted hunting for worms on a grassy spot. They also sing lustily in spring at dawn and at dusk.

If my eyes had been closed this morning at Downsview Park, I would have thought it was April as I heard the melodious songs of several robins.

But no, it was early January and a wintery north wind had me tightening my scarf.

These robins had found a patch of red cedar and were busily eating the seed bodies.

The joy of it had a few forgetting the season and breaking out into song.

The pond here has an unusual Pekin Duck.

These ducks are usually all white but this one has black marking on the head.

I suspect that this is a stain of oil or some other substance.

Downsview Park is one of the better city locations in which to find owls in winter. I did find this one:

You are guaranteed to find at least one owl here.

Other birds:

I received several photos of interesting and hard to find birds from Heather Pantrey which included this one of a Short-eared owl taken at Downsview Park:

I made this post of the others for Friends of Miles

Short-eared owl and Other Birds: Heather Pantrey December 2021 | Miles Hearn

NATURE POETRY

Three months ago, the stream did flow,
The lilies bloomed along the edge;
And we were lingering to and fro,—
Where none will track thee in this snow,
Along the stream, beside the hedge.         – Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–61) 

Miles Hearn