American Goldfinch

After a slow start to the feeding season there are now large flocks of Goldfinches in the yard as well as the other regulars. Still hoping for something a little more exotic.  January 14, East Jordan.

Overwintering Great Blue Herons

  There are usually a few Great Blue Herons that choose to overwinter in this area. How well they do generally depends on the severity of the winter. Generally it seems like it's more often the juvenile birds that are here this time of year like this bird that I found at Little Port L'Hebert on January 8. We've had a pretty mild winter to date so there is still lots of open water for them to feed.

This bird, also a juvenile seemed to be having a problem with it's right leg. I found this bird on January 2 near Matthew's Lake. I think it's likely the same bird I've seen in the area since before Christmas. I hope it's able to survive the winter but given it's condition and the fact that the winter is likely to get a lot harsher in the coming weeks I don't hold out much hope.

Snow Geese at Christmas

I had heard from friends there were Snow Geese in the area and having some free time Christmas Day I went to check the area they were last seen in Rockland. I managed to find two birds, an adult and juvenile but they weren't very approachable. I wasn't able to find them the following day so all I have is a couple of flight shots, the last post for 2015.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

This was the only bird I managed to get a reasonable photograph of during the annual Christmas Bird Count. It was a particularly cold and windy day. December 20, Hemeon's Head.

Dickcissel

This was the best opportunity I've had to photograph a Dickcissel. The bird was quite co-operative although the grass made it a bit of a challenge. I'm not sure if this is a female or immature male. December 13, Hemeon's Head.

Great Egret

Another shot from November, this one on the 15th at Matthew's Lake. On this day there were two Great Egrets there which might be a first for me in NS. I have seen a single bird as recently as December 13.

American Robins and Holly Berries

I haven't posted for a while partly because I've been busy with other things and the few times I've been out to take pictures I haven't come home with anything worthwhile. These shots go back to November 7 when I found a flock of Robins feeding on this holly tree near the shore in East Jordan. They seemed particularly attracted to these berries even though there were others in the vicinity.

I included the last shot because of its uncluttered background.