nature, Photography

Spring Birds

25 Comments

Over the last few days I’ve noticed that the ducks and geese are beginning to prepare for new little ones.

Canada geese.

The geese mate for life but something about their recent behaviour tells me that they’re becoming expectant; perhaps they’re waiting for the double-digit warm weather so that they can build nests and raise their young.

Hooded merganser ducks.
Coots.

At this point, the coots just seem to be eating; of course, many of them will soon be migrating to their nesting grounds.

And then we have the mallard duck crew. They’re pairing up too. Here’s a short video showing how quickly they come running and flying toward us for a quinoa snack.

Snack time!

Happy Thursday.

25 thoughts on “Spring Birds”

  3. Good to see the waterbirds preparing for the ongoing cycle. It will be a little while before the water birds arrive here, as all the ponds and lakes are well iced over. Have a great Thursday Lynette. Allan

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    1. Thanks, Allan.
      Yes, it’s great to see them getting ready. I think it might be a while for the coots as they’re pairing off but not showing any signs of leaving yet. They’re doing lots of fishing and eating, though!

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      1. That’s a good video showing them all running towards the food. I hope they don’t forget how to catch their own food too. But I guess they’ve become park ducks, so as long as someone feeds them they’ll be all right.

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        1. They are often foraging in the nearby creek, so I don’t think they’re too dependent on handouts. They were fed by the city during our cold snap last month since their creek was frozen over, however. They’re pretty much community pets, though. Everyone likes them, especially children.

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    1. It sure is. The male geese were already taking up protective positions as their mates ate, so they will soon be nest-building and sitting, I think. The goslings hatch around the end of April/beginning of May. The ducks are more unpredictable, but I look forward to seeing all these little goslings and ducklings.

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  7. My gosh, it’s been so warm here. In February! No coats required! The birds are singing again. No wonder they’re preparing for new little ones. Spring is already here? 🤷‍♀️

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    1. It has really been up and down here with temperatures between 5-10C (41-50F) and mostly rain with some sunny days. Pretty typical February weather, I would say. We know of lots of other parts of the country where spring is definitely arriving early. Really crazy but it’s so nice to see the birds!

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    1. Thank you very much, Linda. They do love the quinoa! The next clip I post will show the ones who are around our feet. We usually get one or two who tug on our pants to remind us that they’re there. It’s always variable at this time of year so we have to get out and enjoy it when we can! We’ve had +12 for a few days now. So nice. Enjoy your +14.

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