Our garden and a few of its birds

9 June 2016

     Our garden has been a bit of a work in progress of late, mulch has had to be replaced, new gravel paths installed and the regular work of spring planting and cleaning up had to be done too. A few random shots follow.

     And her are a few additional shots taken from the bedroom window.

     The water in the bird bath is discoloured by airborne pollen and the like, but the birds actually seem to prefer it over clean, fresh water. After we change it, it doesn't take long to restore it to their liking!

     American Goldfinches Spinus tristis are probably the most frequent and most common visitors to our feeders.

American Goldfinch - male

American Goldfinch - males

American Goldfinch - females

     In years past Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula has been a sporadic visitor, but this year they seem to have to discovered the feeders and are very adept at feeding from all of them.

     The Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata is the unquestioned king of the peanut feeder and can extract a snack in record time.

     I don't think we ever look out without seeing a Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura and we have a soft spot in our hearts for these delicate, lovely birds.

     This female House Sparrow Passer domesticus seemed reluctant to face us, perhaps because I had modified the nest box which was occupied by sparrows last year to prevent their entry and make it suitable for Black-capped Chickadees Poecile atricapillus who successfully raised a brood, now fledged and gone from the yard.

     What would a suburban backyard in southern Ontario be without a squirrel or two?

     House Finches Haemorhous mexicanus are also common patrons of the feeders although in nowhere near the numbers of American Goldfinch.

House Finch - male at left, female at right.

House Finch - female

     Other species visit, of course; these pictures are from the half hour or so I spent capturing them yesterday. Today is forecast to be fine and sunny so we'll be having lunch on the patio. Who knows what else we might see?