Northern Parula
It's been way to long since my last post, but since then tons of migrating birds have passed through in large numbers. This year I am currently at 197 bird species for Ontario, and 172 species for the yard which is above average for me!
I have managed to see a few new species this year, which are a Common Gallinule in Hamilton, an overdue Virginia Rail in Dyer's Bay, a Lesser Scaup and Black-bellied Plover in Stokes Bay, and a very rare Western Tanager that was found at a feeder in Stokes Bay in late April! Only the 4th record for Bruce County.
Western Tanager
Other semi-rare birds that I've seen this spring are the continuing Black Vulture that has visited my place for now 5 years straight, and a Northern Mockingbird that showed up in the yard for one evening.
But the best bird that I've seen this year is... a Tricolored Heron the I self-found in Dyer's Bay on May 19!!! Tricolored Herons are definitely one of the rarer herons that are found occasionally in Ontario, and until now there had been no confirmed records in Bruce County, so definitely the rarest bird I have ever self-found!
Now as for some of my other exciting birds since my last post, a Northern Saw-whet Owl that decided to roost next to the bird feeder in March is definitely near the top of the list! It let me get multiple shots of it during its one day stay.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
I also managed to see a few Golden-winged Warblers this month, with one even letting me get close enough for some good shots!
Other none-rare, but exciting yard finds include a very late Iceland Gull, my second ever Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, my second ever yard Least Sandpiper, a migrating Northern Goshawk, and a lone Red Crossbill that made a quick flyover.
Now I'll finish this post with some more of my best shots from this spring!
Northern Parula
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