A Merlin and Numerous Song Sparrows: March 2022

Merlins look something like pigeons in flight and used to be called Pigeon Hawks. They are very speedy fliers and can easily overtake any small bird that they desire.

I saw one in a dead elm tree this morning in the Don Valley.

Merlin
Merlin
Merlin
Merlin

The period between about the middle of March and early June is the best time of the year for birdsong. Song Sparrows are among the most prolific singers and many were singing today.

Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow

Other birds:

American Robin
European Starlings
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Black-capped Chickadee
Mallard (male)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Mallard (female)
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Cardinal (male)

We have seen little sun recently but it was shining brightly today. Bright sun and little wind create the best conditions for closeup photography:

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Basswood (Tilia americana)
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Highbush-cranberry (Viburnum opulus)
Tansy (Tanecetum vulgare)
Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
European Pussy Willow (Salix caprea)
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
White Mulberry (Morus alba)
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

MAILBOX

This was recently posted on the Cornell Lab Web cam site.    A Great Horned Owl returns to the next with a Barred Owl as dinner for the chick.  

NATURE POETRY

The little white clouds are racing over the sky,    
And the fields are strewn with the gold of the flower of March,    
The daffodil breaks under foot, and the tasseled larch
Sways and swings as the thrush goes hurrying by.         – Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “A Merlin and Numerous Song Sparrows: March 2022

  1. Lisa Volkov

    Who knew that one type of owl would kill/eat another? Not me!
    As for the buds (and birds)–they sure look ready to pop (and sing)! Is spring really around the corner? Must be. Very exciting!

    Reply

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