We had a good variety of wildlife on a mild morning at Humber Bay. Swans, geese and many species of ducks. A few species were in a spring mood and burst forth in song. A House Finch, a Red-winged Blackbird (who likely spent the winter near here) and my first singing Song Sparrow in months.

The biggest surprise however, was a long look at a Muskrat sitting on the ice eating some aquatic vegetation. Muskrats are nor much bigger than rats and have dense, rich brown fur. They also eat clams, frogs and fish.

Other birds:

Park scenes:

Today’s group:

MAILBOX

Thank-you to Leah Salvador-Ferrone for this.

Hello Miles,

I’ve had some luck in January with some good photo opportunities with the snowy owl at Sam Smith. Some regulars at the park have named her Odette. All of my photos of Odette were taken at dusk. I especially like the ones with the moon behind her, it felt like a very special encounter with her.

NATURE POETRY

Little January
Tapped at my door today.
And said, “Put on your winter wraps,
And come outdoors to play.”                    – Winifred M. Gales (1761–1839)

Miles Hearn