11-MAR-2010
Red-winged Blackbird, male
Perhaps most exciting of all today, Jeewanthi saw some male red-winged blackbirds! They're back! This is about when they have arrived in the past. The dates we have for them range, I believe (without checking my notes), between March 8 and March 18, with an average arrival of about March 11 or 12. It will be awhile yet before the females arrive. Meanwhile, in a few more weeks the males will begin staking out territory in the pond. Nice to see them back!!!
Jeewanthi also reported TWO sharp-shinned hawks, seen at the same time, at FWG. As well as goldinches, cardinals, and ... Canada Geese flying over. They too are back.
11-MAR-2010
Red squirrel with sore nose
Sadly, this poor little guy was looking even worse for wear today, according to Jeewanthi. She offered him some sunflower seeds which he ate, but then refused anymore. She said he just sat there and didn't move, much as I saw him yesterday.
11-MAR-2010
Downy Woodpecker, female
A few days ago, Jeewanthi photographed a male downy on the feeder. Today it was the turn of the female.
10-MAR-2010
Crow gathering nest material
It was a lovely, mild day again, blue skies and sun. Not a lot of activity in the garden despite that. However, I noticed a number of crows breaking of twigs and flying away with them, getting ready for nest building. It seems to be a communal affair (I say with more than a hint of anthropomorphism!). This crow was doing all the work but was being encouraged by at least 5 others who flew near or sat above, and called constantly. This one would break off various twigs, hold them up, then release them. Finally, this one, clutched in her right foot, seemed to meet the criteria and was proudly borne aloft and carried to somewhere on the other side of the canal!
10-MAR-2010
Vole runs
Each spring when the snow melts, we see extensive meadow vole runs all over the open areas of the garden. Imagine, as we wander along on top of the snow, thinking how there is so little wildlife to see, these critters are busily working away beneath our feet.
10-MAR-2010
Turtle raft re-emerges
Amidst the sludge and ice, the turtle raft could be seen again after a winter of being covered with ice and snow. It looks a bit worse for wear, but otherwise appears in good shape.
08-MAR-2010
Amphibian pond
What a day - warm, sunny, more like mid-April than early March. I was looking at photos I took on this date last year, and we were definitely in the grip of winter. Everyone keeps saying that we're sure to get a big dump of snow before spring comes to stay. Down at the pond, the half is free of ice and the rest has a thin layer. As you can see, the water is swirling across part of the path. As for the beaver, I don't know if he survived the winter or not. I see no signs of him yet, but he could well be there,
08-MAR-2010
Red with injured nose
This squirrel was sitting on a sumac branch, and seemed a bit lethargic. However, it wasn't until I got home and looked at the photos that I saw his nose was swollen and red. In the next photo you can see there has been some sort of injury to it. Poor little guy must be feeling pretty miserable.
08-MAR-2010
Red with injured nose
Here is a front view of the injured nose. There are any number of ways this could have happened, including a territorial tussle with another red.
08-MAR-2010
Chipmunk
This little fellow stuck his head up above the rocks in the BYG. I hoped he might venture further out, but when I made a slight movement he was gone and though I waited for some time, no further sign. This is the first I've seen at FWG this year, but I have already seen a couple in west end Ottawa.
08-MAR-2010
Cluster fly (Pollenia sp.)
This fly and many others were sunning on the warm sides of buildings. Yesterday, in west end Ottawa, I found a winter firefly, a spider, scores of midges, and believe it or not, a spittlebug. I had hoped to see a few more insects at FWG, but not so.
04-MAR-2010
Two male cardinals
Jeewanthi photographed these two male cardinals at FWG. They will be pairing up in awhile and if this warm spell continues, who knows whether they will be fooled into nesting earlier than usual.
