Willet

I realized I hadn't posted pictures of Willets on the blog before even though I've had lots of shots to choose from. After talking with Don and Jane who recently had a family of Willets pass through their yard I decided this would be a good time. I probably should add a flight shot at some point since that's normally how I see them - usually flying at me. I like these because of how docile the bird looks and acted on the day I took these - not typical Willet behavior.  July 4, Jordan Falls.

Red-winged Blackbird pair

I found this pair of nesting blackbirds in a pond in Jordan Falls. There was another pair nesting nearby and foraging in the same pond.
These shots were taken on June 30 and July 1.

Pileated Woodpecker

This is a bird I've been trying to photograph for a while with little success. On June 30th I got lucky although it was too close to fit the entire bird
in the frame. I was thankful I was shooting from a tripod since it was a low light situation however it prevented me from turning the camera 90 degrees to
fit the whole bird. To reach up and loosen the lens collar would have startled the bird more than the sound of the shutter which did get her attention.
 Shooting at 1/100th of a second I knew I had to take as many shots as time allowed to get something sharp. 
This is presumably a female since the red crest only extends forward to just in front of the eye.  Jordan Falls, NS.

Common Grackle

I was hoping for something a little more exotic but this bird landed in a great spot to have its picture taken. Since I don't have other shots of a Grackle
on the blog I guess it's time. June 14, East Jordan.

Great Horned Owl and Owlet

I discovered this owlet after finding the parent a few days previous. The shots of the young bird were
 taken about 2 weeks apart on May 31 and June 11. You can see how much it grew in the intervening days.

Gadwall Hen

As I was leaving Hemeon's Head on June 9 the Gadwall pair flew into the pond I had just vacated.
I ended up focusing on the female while I would have preferred the male for his more striking plumage. They didn't stick around after seeing me.

Ram Island, June 18 - Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills

Atlantic Puffin

Black Guillemot

Razorbill

This is the first time I've been to Ram Island although I've wished to since I started birding . Thanks to David for taking Bill and me on such short notice.
 There is quite a thriving colony of Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills and Black Guillemots nesting there. Not to mention the Cormorants and Common Eiders.