Back to Normal

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

You may have noticed there has been no recent bird photos coming your way for the last while.
This was all do to my involvement in the World Police Fire Games 2023 being held in Winnipeg.
The largest event Winnipeg has ever seen with over 8,000 athletes, coaches, spouses and families.
The Games which ran from July 28 – Aug 6 is now over.

Since life is now back to normal it was time to check on Osprey…finding that two of the chicks have fledged in my absence.
The young still return to the nest to be feed…this will go on till they learn to hunt for themselves.

Mrs. Osprey must have just made a quick stop at the pond to grab a little snack for the three hungry kids.

Morning Viewing

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Perhaps a bit later than past years…finally a morning viewing of the Osprey Chicks.
This may very well had something to do with the size of nest since the adults keep adding branches. The nest now has become quite deep.
Another thought…we did have a late spring and perhaps arrived back later than other years.

They young will soon be up on the edge of the nest madly flapping their wings preparing to fledge. Once they do fledge they do return to the nest…since this is where the adults bring the food.

The pre-fledge flapping is the most exciting time to watch the youngsters…just sayin !

Sights and Sounds at the Summer Place

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

The summer place provides a variety of birds…ranging from small wrens to the larger Crow like in size Pileated Woodpecker.
They can often be heard at the rear and side yard where there is heavy bush and mature trees.
Both male and female are similar in appearance other than the male having a red strip on the low jaw.

There are tell tail signs that a Pileated has been hard at work searching for food…look for long rectangular or oval holes it excavates in search of ants.
You may hear them long before you see them…their call being a loud wuck, wuck, wuck that can be heard at a great distance.
They may be difficult to find…since they could be on the ground or high in a tree.