Monday, December 9, 2013

Pine Grosbeaks and Red-bellied Woodpecker

Weekend update…

Sunday, December 8, I saw the Red-bellied Woodpecker again.  He's been hanging around this South Porcupine neighbourhood (since at least the 22nd of November).  I find it surprising that he sticks around in spite of the freezing temperatures.  From what I've seen, he seems to like hanging around birch trees, especially the stumps where branches have been broken off.  (Although the first time I spotted it (22 Nov 2013) it was in a thick spruce tree seeking shelter from heavy wind and snowfall.)   I managed to get this photo through my window yesterday.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
South Porcupine (December 8, 2013)

A beautiful photo of this Red-bellied Woodpecker was also featured Saturday on the Weather Network.

Pine Grosbeaks…
Saturday was a beautiful sunny day.  The temperature was -17°C,  -24°C with the wind.  Gary and I walked part of the Bart Thompson Trail at the end of Legion drive in South Porcupine where we saw Gray Jays, Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches.  Near the start of the trail, I saw 4 Pine Grosbeaks (first sighting since last spring); they were flying from spruce tree to spruce tree, feeding on cones.   I managed to get only a couple of pictures.  I wish I could have kept my hands out of my mitts longer but after 30 seconds, I couldn't feel my fingers anymore. 

Pine Grosbeak
South Porcupine (Dec 7, 2013)
Pine Grosbeak
South Porcupine (Dec 7, 2013)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Le Conte's Sparrow



The last 2 days were beautiful fall days ... and I got to do some more birding in and around Moonbeam's Sewage Lagoon.

Ring-necked Duck / Fuligule à collier
Moonbeam Sewage Lagoon (Oct 2013)


There's still plenty of life in the ponds, including Mallards, Ring-necked ducks, American Wigeon, Canada geese, American Coot, Green-winged Teal and Common Goldeneye.  I also spotted a Bufflehead for the first time.

I was very excited to see my very first Le Conte's Sparrow tonight.

Le Conte's Sparrow / Bruant de Le Conte
Moonbeam Sewage Lagoon (Oct 2013)