This is the first winter in which I have led walks at Downsview Park. Today was my 6th and final winter walk here. During each of the first 5 walks, we spotted at least one owl and sometimes more. Here are some of them:
I was beginning to think that no owl would appear today as we carefully inspected every clump of coniferous trees in which I had previously observed an owl. No luck – no luck – no luck, until finally we found a Long-eared Owl almost entirely hidden from view. Here it is:
Other birds:
Today’s group:
The American Tree Sparrow has a very high pitched song which has been compared to that of a Song Sparrow up an octave or characterized as “fairy music.”
NATURE POETRY
Of speckled eggs the birdie sings
And nests among the trees;
The sailor sings of ropes and things
In ships upon the seas. Robert Louis Stevenson
Miles Hearn