Tag Archives: Bird Photography

Northern Flicker

There are lots of birds around now and they are all very busy. I spotted this northern flicker who had found something buggy to eat between the pavers on a footpath.

I think she has some hatchlings – she doesn’t have the distinctive red flashes which indicate a male flicker – because I could hear little cheepings from above my head.

I tried to spot the nest but no luck; it was definitely nearby though because I saw the male flying back and forth between the tree and another area of eating interest a bit further away.

Those specialised beaks are sharp, very pointed and an especially good tool for digging yummy bugs out of trees and from between pavers, too. It’s great that this flicker nest is so well hidden; I hope this little family does well.

Happy Wednesday.

Goosey, Goosey Gander

I think the Canada geese are getting ready to nest.

The physical differences between females and males is quite subtle, but so are the behaviours. The males are slightly larger and have slightly larger necks, but I wouldn’t put money on being able to pick a male from a female.

Canada geese mate for life and are very much equal partners, taking turns guarding, sitting on the nest and feeding the little ones. In the case of the pair above, one was guarding while the other was eating, but I couldn’t tell which was which. One thing I could tell though was that the guarding goose was giving me the stinkeye!

I’m sure that nesting is starting soon because instead of maintaining their tight flock as they usually do, the couples have somewhat separated themselves from each other. Nevertheless they still tend not to stray too far. There were two other couples nearby and all three were clearly checking in with one another.

The best part is that soon there will be little ones around and it’s always so much fun to watch them grow.

I’ve been ill with flu but am on the mend now and was finally able to get out for a walk; I was rewarded with these geese sightings. Although it’s not official yet, Happy Spring.

Duck Shrinkage

The pond that the ducks have been inhabiting all winter is shrinking and shrinking.

If it wasn’t for the fountain, it would be completely closed and the ducks would be hunting for a place to swim and forage as there’s now a lot of ice around the lake edges.

But there’s relief coming since if all goes as predicted, we are supposed to be climbing well above freezing over the next few days. It won’t be long now, duckies!

Happy Saturday.

Quack!

When it becomes more difficult for our local duck flock to find food, we like to help them a bit with some cooked quinoa. Unlike bread, it’s a healthy choice for them. M recently prepared lots of it in individual bags that we can easily distribute to our duckie friends.

Well organised in a freezer drawer, he has very helpfully labelled it “quack.”

Quackers or not, the ducks love it and aren’t shy about gobbling it down!

I wish you a very duckie day. 😊

Antarctic Penguins

National Geographic has released its pictures of the year, including this amazing shot of penguins getting ready to follow one of their number into the ocean from an incredibly high ice sheet.

Photo courtesy of Bertie Gregory for National Geographic. Gregory photographed a young emperor penguin leaping off a 15 metre (50 ft) cliff in Atka Bay, Antarctica.

You can see all of National Geographic’s pictures at this link:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/graphics/pictures-of-the-year-2024

Happy Thursday.