This is about the time of year when I start to see Red-winged Blackbirds. It will likely be another few weeks before I see one at my feeder. Then about 2 weeks after the males, the females arrive.
We had these two this morning at Humber Bay.
Other birds:
Today’s group:
NATURE POETRY
Why, what’s the matter,
That you have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness? – William Shakespeare, “Much Ado About Nothing”
Miles Hearn
Thank you for the beautiful pictures, Miles, and good luck with your tests.
Beautiful photos yet again. Please do take care and come back happy and healthy to continue to teach and motivate us all.
Thank you for showing us the beauty of nature and sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with all of us. I wish you all the best.
Hope all goes well, Miles.
I didn’t know that Red-winged Blackbirds returned to the Toronto area in February. When I see and hear them in the ravine park near us it is usually the beginning of April. The males usually perch on the top of a small tree. So they are not recent arrivals but have probably mated and are protecting the females and fledglings in their nests.
Take care. I know you will miss your walks but medical care is important.
Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge of the beauty of nature with us. We all wish you well and hope your mystery is solved and you are returned to full, robust health.
Best wishes Myles. I hope tests will go well.
For the Friday group – if anyone wants to still meet at the Island ferry – I think I will still go (10:30 ferry) and explore. Anyone want to reach me you can at http://www.cathycrowe.ca
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Sending well wishes from the west coast, these little bursts of nature on my screen are always so delightful, feel like I’ve had at least a taste of a good walk. Robins hopping around under the bird feeder, pussy willows in bloom, and perhaps I saw a finch back in town. All the best to you Myles.
May you get the answers and the healing you need. We all are eager to see you back on the trails, hiding and quizzing us.
Oops – autocorrect: meant to say ” guiding” us not hiding!
Best wishes for the tests. I hope all goes well!
Sorry I missed Monday’s walk. Looking forward to seeing you again in 2 weeks. All the best….
Your word, birds, buds and poetry will be missed. Wishing you a successful outcome. See you in two weeks. Jane (Wednesday walks)
I hope your health issues are resolved quickly.
Best of luck.
All the best, Miles! Yeah, those Red Winged Blackbirds–another, very loud (they are birds I can certainly hear!) sign of spring on the way!
I expect someone else is letting you know about this, but Susan wanted to go to High Park anyway, and I went with her, and there were others there! We saw a Coyote walking on the ice of Grenadier Pond (hope I spelled it right)–I spotted it first! And an Owl (couldn’t see its face)! Someone else knew where to go, in what kind of trees to look, but–I spotted it!
Sorry, I just had to “Crow” about this, given how bad I can be about identifying things.
You’re not expendable, Miles–we are all looking forward to your coming back. But you have taught us well, it seems!
All the best with the tests Miles. Look forward to your return when you get better.
Good luck with your health and get better soon.
Best of luck, Miles. We hope to see you back soon as your hale and hearty self.
Hello Miles,
I wanted to thank you for these nature walks and for introducing me to so many GTA parks and trails.
I wish you a speedy recovery. You shall be missed!
As for my fellow Monday (or anyone else) flora/fauna enthusiasts, I plan to continue the schedule on Mondays. Anyone who wants to join me , I will wait til just after 10. Lucie will join me as well.
Sending lots of good wishes Miles… we will miss you till you are able to return
Liz Hanna
Hi Miles
as a new member of your most wonderful nature walks i just wanted to let you know that you will be missed very much. Your very easy going nature and wealth of knowledge made the walks so enjoyable.
Our group has decided to continue meeting for the remaining locations. Unfortunately we only have 5 telephone numbers. I was wondering if you can put out an email to our group that we will be meeting at the remaining locations at the same time and day. Perhaps you can join in at any time? Wishing you all the best
and hope to see you out and about sometime soon.
Hi Linda.
I am in the Monday group. A friend and I will be continuing the schedule as well. We were the last group Miles was on. Unfortunately we hadn’t exchanged numbers yet. I do wish they will share our contact info.
What day are you on?
Dimenica
Hi Dominica
My email is elizabeth@clearspeech.ca.
I’d love to connect… I am so so sad we have lost this extraordinary man
Hiya Miles,
Saturday walker here, sending warm thoughts to you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us this term, I am looking at trees and birds with new appreciation. Will continue to explore the locations in the meantime.
Much Gratitude. See you soon. 🙂
Hi Miles:
I have so enjoyed the two sessions I participated in and am hoping you recover and are able to lead the tours again. Your vast knowledge has been invaluable in helping me gradually learn about our local flora and fauna. Take care!
I read Sophie’s email, Mile’s daughter, this am and my heart is shattered to pieces. Miles, one of the kindest souls I have met … The trails and the trees will never be the same without your gentle footsteps … We’ve lost an icon … may his soul rest in eternal peace. His legacy will live on … My condolences to Mile’s family and friends …
Dear Miles,
Looking again at the posts. The words I said above were inadequate, since I sent an e-mail Tuesday, Feb. 14 as soon as our walk that day was cancelled, expressing my deep concern–my worst fears were tragically realized.
We all still love you and miss you, Miles, and always will. Still doing your walks, on our own, trying to carry on your legacy, as a tribute to you, and because we loved them so much.
All my love and concern to your family. Rest in peace, Miles, you will never be forgotten.