Yesterday completely reversed the common interpretation of this idiom. A walk through local parks revealed some wonderful birds of colour. Even the black Ravens seemed resplendent after 24 hours of drizzling rain. The Canada Warbler presented on a branch about 15 ft. from me and sat for at least 5 seconds before moving on. I have never seen one before and couldn’t believe my luck that the camera worked as it did.
The Common Ravens continue to pique my curiosity as I try and ‘think like a Raven.’ My interpretation of the following pictures is pure fantasy and only becomes reality if I repeat it often enough and I’m not challenged by someone with some actual knowledge. So …. There appear to only be two young in the nest as they continue to grow and become feathered. One of the parents sat on a branch just below the nest and made the most interesting sounds. It seemed as if she (he?) was calling to the young as they may soon be able to fledge.
This video shows the adult calling and the babies in the nest.
Keep scrolling down…There is more.
For many years I have been taking pictures of precious little Yellow Warblers that dominate the tree tops in Cosmopolitan Park between the Broadway and University Bridges. Their melodic ‘Sweet sweet sweet’ punctures the air as they flit about establishing breeding territories. I imagine a picture of their beautiful yellow coat with rusty highlights as they sit on a colourful flowering tree with a contrasting hue. Alas, you will have to use your imagination to superimpose the tiny bird on these lovely flowers.
This Canada Warbler was a first for me. I would not have been able to ID it without the picture and confirmation from my friend Stan Shadick.
This flycather sat for a moment as it flits out to catch an insect and then darts back to the bushes.
Northern Flickers seem to love digging in the soft dirt to find ants and other insects. This female bird sat on the sidewalk and cultivated the grass in front of her.
My hope for you is to have a day that is “Strictly for the Birds.”
4 Comments
The Canada warbler seems to be wearing a beaded necklace. I’ve never seen one.
Lovely. And I loved the bedraggled birds in the previous post : )
These are stunning photos, Trent! Thanks for posting. I love how jowly the raven looks in the video.
Who knew Canada has a Warbler and isn’t she beautiful! Thanks Trent!
There were 6 ravens flying acrobatics high above the park thisafternoon. Magical to watch. A couple of days ago one of the raven parents raucously and agressively ‘escorted’ me from the park! Well, maybe me AND our cat Boba, who thinks he is a dog and often accompanies us on short neighbourhood walks! He was not a welcome visitor. The raven continued to dive bomb us all the way home. Great pictures and vocals Trent..