Purple Sandpipers

There were probably forty or more Purple Sandpipers on the rocks at West Head.
They didn't seem to mind me being there and so I managed to get several good
shots. Dec. 27, 2013.

Christmas Day - Lockeport, NS

American Goldfinch

American Tree Sparrow

A Few Wet Birds

We had three or four days of rain lately and the birds were looking a little wet
on this particular day. Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee and White-throated
Sparrow. December 22, 2013.

Dark-eyed Junco

Seems like most of my birding is being done at feeders this winter. The Juncos arrived
early this year and in numbers. Dec. 16, East Jordan.

Brown Thrasher

The Brown Thrasher that arrived at my mothers bird feeder in Lockeport this
past week. Spotted by Donna and reported to Bill and myself. Dec. 14.

American Goldfinch - winter plumage

Lots of Goldfinches at the feeder these days even though I've yet to put out
the finch feeder.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

This bird arrived at my feeder yesterday morning as I was leaving to go birding.
 Glad she stuck around until I got back home when the light was much better.

Snowy Owl



These are all images of the same bird, one of three or four Snowy Owls that were found at West Head
 by Bill this past week. These were all taken on November 29, there was also one at
 Mathew's Lake today - Dec. 1.

White-throated Sparrows



Two of a large number of White-throated Sparrows that have been visiting the yard under
 the bird feeders this year. November 25, East Jordan. I assume the top one is a juvenile.

This one was taken on December 8, East Jordan, NS.

Blue Jay

There have been a few Blue Jays coming to the feeder in recent days along with several white-throats, one Junco and the other regulars.  This is one of them, November 25.

Black-capped Chickadee

I don't have a picture of a black-capped on the blog yet so I guess it's time to add one. Not a lot of birds in the woods these days, this one was on the walking trail in Jordan Falls. The blue in the background is the river. November 24.

Horned Lark

I stopped at Chebogue Point on the way back from Yarmouth. The most interesting find was a Rough-legged Hawk hunting in the fields with at least three Northern Harriers. There were many Snow Buntings, Pipits as well as Horned Larks, the first for me this year. Nov. 14th

Snow Bunting Portrait

The Snow Buntings have arrived in numbers. I had lots of opportunities for shots, several at close range like this one.

White-rumped Sandpiper

This one was flying solo on this day and was particularly approachable.  November 4, East Ragged Island.

Ruddy Turnstone with crab

There are still a few shorebirds in the area. I managed to find several turnstones on this day, this one found a treat amongst the seaweed.

Snow Bunting

First Snow Bunting of the year. Well maybe the 2nd, a pair of birds flew off just before I saw this one. At least one was a Snow Bunting. Oct. 26, East Ragged Island.

Peregrine Falcon

These were taken October 18th in Little Port Le'hebert. The bottom image was the sharper of two similar shots, unfortunately I clipped the top wing on the bird in the foreground. These are both juveniles.

Chipping Sparrow

This guy was feeding at the side of the road in East Sable. This was just as the weather was changing - you can see the rain drops on the bird's back.

Baltimore Oriole - Fall plumage

I almost stepped on this guy as he hid in the low bushes. Not many places to hide at the end of West Head. Oct. 14, 2013.

Pectoral Sandpipers

There were lots of Pectoral Sandpipers around on this particular day providing a lot of chances for shots. These were two of the best. Oct. 13, Mathew's Lake NS.

Wilson's Snipe

These guys are very hard to find on the ground to photograph. You're more likely to have them flush at your feet before even seeing them. While I did get some better close-ups this one shows off the bird better than the others. Oct. 8, East Jordan.

Prairie Warbler

I found this bird last Sunday at Hemeon's Head and it's been quite a long time since the last time I saw one. While I like the pose and the bird a lot there are a few things about the photo that could have been better. I include it here more for the rarity than anything else.

Northern Harrier

I've had lots of opportunities to photograph this species but this was the first time in East Jordan. Not a lot of habitat here for them but they do migrate through here. This one was riding the thermal updraft a long with a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Black and White Warbler

One of several Black and White Warblers seen in Lockeport on October 1st. There was also at least one Parula and Blackpoll there and possibly a Yellowthroat.

Northern Parula

There were several Parulas mixed in with the Yellow-rumped  today. One Blackpoll today as well - at the shore in East Jordan.

Blackpoll Warbler - Fall plumage

There have been lots of Fall plumage Blackpolls passing through in recent days. I guess they're coming from farther north since there are few breeding birds in this area.

Hudsonian Godwit

One of three Hudsonian Godwits at Mathew's Lake on Sept. 29.

Baird's Sandpiper

This is the first Baird's Sandpiper I've seen this year and only the second in the last two years. It's always great to be able to pick them out amongst the many Semipalmated, Least and White-rumped Sandpipers. Mathew's Lake, NS.

Swamp Sparrow - Portrait

I like the detail on this bird. The lighting was good and the bird was co-operative - staying still long enough to have it's portrait taken.

Whimbrel

I was thinking that there were fewer Whimbrel around this year than last year when I found this lone bird. He/she was quite approachable and allowed me a few chances for shots.

American Golden Plover

The Golden Plovers arrived a week or so ago. This week they were fairly numerous - more so than last year it seems.
Mathew's Lake, NS.

Blue-winged Teal

This one is from September 10th but I like it enough to include it here. This was the first day I was able to find any Blue-winged Teal among the Green-winged.