Turkey Vultures flying over Regina, Saskatchewan

A sunny evening. Supper on the deck. A Turkey Vulture flying overhead — no, make that a pair of Turkey Vultures. That doesn't happen everyday/everywhere, so worth noting (for me) in this blog.

What a cheery sight when you are eating your evening meal outside.
Is this Turkey Vulture scoping out a snack?  © SB

In Saskatchewan, there seems to be an increasing population of Turkey Vultures, which now nest in abandoned barns and other buildings, as opposed to their traditional caves and natural crannies. 

Part of the fun of spotting these large birds in flight is the chance to look for wing tags — which these particular birds lacked. So we don't know where they were born, but here they are, flying over Walsh Acres, Regina, Saskatchewan. 

Magnificent — and to my mind, tropical — backyard birds.

Okay, here's the pair of Turkey Vultures - and no wing tags on either,
even when I zoom in (to my great disappointment!) © SB

What are these? Turkey Vultures
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan
Photo date: May 8, 2016.

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Bobolinks in field, near Muenster, Saskatchewan

I saw my first pair of Bobolinks today when I walked the grid road mile (times four) around St. Peter's Abbey. Their songs are so joyful— these, like many birds, remind me of exuberant human laughter!

Bobolink, perched on stalk of dock.   © SB 

One swooped down onto a stalk of dock, while the other... Well, it disappeared from my view, as I was focused on the more sedate Bobolink (if such a word could possibly fit these happy, clown-like birds), trying for a picture of it far off across the pasture. I was also trying to test how close I could creep without startling this stunning little blackbird, with its yellow cap and white wing and back feathers.

These birds have an amazing annual migration, flying from across North America down to Paraguay. I'm glad I got closer today than in my last Bobolink photo attempt, last summer at Grasslands.

Bobolink, in flight over the field, displaying feather colours.  © SB 

What is this? A Bobolink
Location: Near Muenster, Saskatchewan, Canada
Photo date: July 8, 2014

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Rose-breasted Grosbeaks: New Regina Backyard Bird

Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak  © SB

The recent rain brought many beautiful birds to our Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard — including our first-ever Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

Perhaps oddly, I find the females, with their crisp brown markings, almost as beautiful as the males...

But the male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are truly gorgeous in black and white with that rosy red bib!

And as for the beaks that give Grosbeaks their names, they really are huge. From other images, I'd thought perhaps they were finch-like, but no, they are so very much bigger than that.

The birds at the feeders, below, display this beakly magnificence.

These birds arrived one evening, then reappeared the next morning, with visits to the feeders in the front and back yards off and on throughout the day. 

And now, they seem to have flown on. To wherever Rose-breasted Grosbeaks go — to wherever they've been every other spring, when I haven't seen them.

For two more photos of these birds, see Male and Female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on my photography blog. 

A Pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.     © SB

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak  © SB

Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak © SB

What are these? Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. 
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Photo Date: May 20, 2014.   

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Baltimore Orioles in Regina Backyard: Our First Ever

I was called downstairs for a surprise this morning:

Three Baltimore Orioles were on our bird feeders — the first we've ever had in our Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard.

Early Morning: Baltimore Oriole on one of our Regina bird feeders. © SB

(We even had a special feeder hung for them one year, a sign of our somewhat misguided, though eternal, optimism.)

What astonishingly, brilliantly orange birds Baltimore Orioles are!

What is this? Baltimore Orioles. 
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.   

Photo date: May 20, 2014.   

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Mountain Bluebirds in the Qu'Appelle Valley

Yeah! Mountain Bluebirds have arrived in the valley north of Regina, Saskatchewan! 

We went for a drive this afternoon to look for Mountain Bluebirds and saw a flock of a dozen or more flitting around a group of trees. The males are oh-so-bright and easy to see, but there were many females, too — although most were more brown than blue. 

My first Mountain Bluebird picture of the year!  
And what a lovely bright male!  © SB

None of the Bluebirds we saw were on fences or near the nest boxes that are scattered along the route we took through the Qu'Appelle Valley. Instead, they flew and settled on the trees.

These Mountain Bluebirds, then, are likely passing through on their way to parts norths. Those few who are staying to nest along Rte 99 (from Craven to Highway 6) or near the old church on the other side of the valley have perhaps not yet settled in.

Yeah, for Mountain Bluebirds!!!


What are these? Mountain Bluebirds 
Location: Along Rte 99, between Craven and Highway 6, north of Regina, Saskatchewan

Photo dates: March 24, 2014. 

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Spring Arrival: A Junco Flies into my Yard

Bird of the day — a Dark-eyed Junco, the first one I've seen in our yard since last October.

They must be flying north again, for summer!

I love the gray tones of this male Junco - gray on gray, with pink beak.  © SB

This one was alone, a very cautious male with no visible mate or companions.

Female Dark-eyed Junco, taken in October, 2013. © SB

But, for the record, here's a female Dark-eyed Junco that came through our yard with a small group of Juncos in October, just before the snow came.


What are these? Dark-eyed Slate-coloured Juncos.   
Location: My backyard, Regina,Saskatchewan.  
Photo dates: March 22, 2014; October 19, 2013. 

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A Pair of Wintery Gray Partridges Drop By

Male Gray Partridge on the snow bank
in my front yard. (Taken through the front door...) © SB

All winter, small flocks of Gray Partridges have visited our front yard.

Six, eight, fourteen...

We see their footprints crisp in the snow, their bodies blurred in the pale blue light that rises before dawn here in Regina, SK.

These birds startle easily, and any movements by our door — like standing beside it or opening it  — send them cackling into dimly lit flight.

Finally, a pair dropped by in the warm cloud-haze of noon.

Finally, a pair sauntered down the sidewalk for me, instead of immediately taking to wing.

Finally, I have Partridge shots that make me happy just to see their orange heads, gray necks and streaked brown feathers.

And yes, for anyone doing sex-sorting, the male is the one with the much redder head; the female is overall more brown. A pair! It must be spring!

Just a closer walk along the sidewalk... Really, it's safe? This one was taken after they walked 
behind the van and I crept outside to stalk them with a long lens.  © SB

What are these? Gray Partridges.  

Location: On a snow bank in my front yard and along the sidewalk in front of my neighbour's house, Regina, Saskatchewan
Photo dates: March 14, 2014. 

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Black-capped Chickadee of the Day

Because every good day deserves a chickadee.

Soft feathered weightlessness, rasp of air on your hands.

Black-capped Chickadee waiting patiently
(or perhaps not) for nuts and seeds. © SB

What is this? A Black-capped Chickadee  

Location: St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan
Photo dates: February 11, 2014. 

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Bright Red House Finch — with Mate! (Is It Spring?)

It must be Spring: A brilliantly scarlet House Finch arrived in our Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard this week — along with a more subdued, brown-streaked female. A mating pair!

Male House Finch in fresh spring colours. © SB

A pair of House Finches! © SB

(Spring, indeed, with several feet of snow still covering our garden... Well, I can hope...)


What are these? House Finches 

Location: My backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan
Photo dates: March 15, 2014. 

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Sharp-shinned Hawk in Regina backyard

Sharp-shinned Hawk, on a very windy day! © SB

A young Sharp-shinned Hawk blew in to feed in our Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard this week.

From the feathers and feet, its prey was a smaller bird, likely a House Sparrow, as that's all we've had on offer lately.

The hawk devoured it on top of our trellis.

The colour of this Sharpie's feathers and eyes will change as it matures. I wonder if it will drop by for sparrows again next year?

Sharp-shinned Hawk
in my backyard. © SB

Gore alert! ...  Too late.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk
devours its meal. © SB

Immature Sharp-shinned Hawk. © SB

What is this? A young Sharp-shinned Hawk - Épervier brun

Location: In my backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan

Photo dates: January 11, 2014. 

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Blue Jays Eating Peanuts in my Regina Backyard

Blue Jaw with peanut © SB

A few weeks ago, a Blue Jay discovered our Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard.

It flew in several times a day, and responded to my presence with a squawk and strut towards me.

Clearly, I was not the first human to feed it peanuts...

Someone, somewhere, had half-trained this smart jay.

Usually, the Blue Jay came alone — although I saw at least three in the neighbour's tree one afternoon, so perhaps they each cycled through, one at a time.

Then, the weather dipped colder and the jays continued their journey south.

Or so I figured, until yesterday another (or one of the same?) Blue Jay arrived at our front yard feeder, then flew to the back, and then joined two other jays in that very same tree.

I wonder how long they will stay? And how long the resident squirrel will leave their peanuts alone?

Blue Jay watching me from the lilac bush © SB

The Blue Jay, again with peanut... This jay recognized that I was the one with the peanuts,
and if he saw none in the yard by the bird feeders, would strut over to me and squawk. © SB

What are these? Blue Jays 

Location: In my backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan 
Photo dates: October 19, 2013. 

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Western Willet in Grasslands National Park

This Western Willet chose a roadside slough as its nesting place in Grasslands National Park, and each time we turned that corner, we watched for it — or its fledging offspring — on the gravel.

This mottled shorebird breeds mainly in inland areas in the Prairies and Mid West, then winters along the coasts of North and South America. Though fairly dull on land, in flight, Western Willets have a stunningly bold black and white wing pattern, which (I hope) one day I will (I hope) capture... (And yes! Click the link!)  But birds in flight can be little trickier than one standing on a rock...

Western Willet watching us, and watching its young fledgling. © SB 

Fledgling Western Willet, hiding in the grass. Gotta love camouflage. © SB 

What are these birds? An adult and a young Western Willet - Chevalier semipalmé

Location: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada Prairie Passages Tour

Photo date: June 26, 2013. 

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Cedar Waxwing Courting Ritual: Pass the Insect

It's my bug, but if you love me,
you can have it... © SB

I recently saw several Cedar Waxwings near Regina, Saskatchewan, which reminded me of a courting ritual I saw this spring...

Pass the Insect.

The ritual began when a Cedar Waxwing with a bug in its beak attracted the attention of a second Cedar Waxwing, which flew down to land on the branch beside it.

The two birds then proceeded to pass the bug back and forth for several minutes until (I think) one of them ate it. All About Birds says they'll do the same with other small items, such as fruit or petals. 

Birds in Motion! Cedar Waxwings courting/feeding in an endless loop.. 

And now, in slo-mo...

The bug lure is working... The second Cedar Waxwing is landing... © SB

The bug changes beaks. © SB

Um, yum! A bug - Cedar Waxwing love. © SB

Time to share the bug love again. © SB

Back to the beginning. Start again. © SB

What are these bird? Cedar Waxwings.

Location: Condie Nature Refuge, near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada  

Photo date: May 28, 2012.

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American Coots in Saskatchewan Sloughs

Bright orange baby coot, in not-camo...   © SB

The first time I saw a very young American Coot swimming in a slough, I was astonished by its colour.

The bright yellow, orange and red feathers, beak and skin of this water bird are exactly the opposite of camouflage...

And I wondered: Does its discreet black and white parent need these vibrant colours to find it?

Even at a slightly older age, these young birds look bizarrely speckled and tufted.

(The tufts are perhaps because its feathers are ever-so-slightly matted by the algae and other stuff typically found in slough water...)

The adults, in contrast, are sedately attired... although their behaviour is somewhat less that sedate. (Hence the term, silly old coot.)

Beautiful birds, all the same.

Adult and young American Coot  © SB

Grumpy-looking baby Coot  © SB

Slightly older, still young, Coot. © SB

Is this adult American Coot (could it be?) smiling at me? © SB

What are these birds? American Coots — Foulque d'Amérique — adult and young.

Location: Various sloughs and wetlands in Saskatchewan, Canada. 

Photo date:  Summer 2012 and 2013.

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Burrowing Owls: Sentries in Fields and Prairie Dog Towns

Study the eyes of this Burrowing Owl. So watchful and attentive. © SB

Okay, maybe I do have a true favourite among grasslands birds: The Burrowing Owl.

We saw at least three pairs of Burrowing Owls — two nesting in Grasslands National Park, and one not far from the park on the Prairie Passages Tour of Saskatchewan pastures and grasslands earlier this summer.

I love the way they stand guard over the area around their burrows, whether in the middle of a Black-tailed Prairie Dog town, or on fence posts in the park and along nearby roads.

So small. So serious. And, in Saskatchewan, so endangered.

Once again, the habitat they need is being lost, along with vital companion species, including the gophers and prairie dogs that dig the burrows they use.

(I recently finished Rock Creek, a beautiful memoir based in Southern Saskatchewan. In it, poet Thelma Poirier says: "Burrowing owls. A misnomer. More fittingly they could be called borrowing owls'. They borrow the burrows of ground squirrels." Indeed.)

Close-up of a Burrowing Owl,
standing guard over its nearby burrow. © SB

As an example of their declining numbers, the website for the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre in Moose Jaw, SK, says that the population trend for Burrowing Owls around Regina, SK, in the last ten years "points straight down." The site continues:

Agricultural crops don't provide the habitat that burrowing owls require, so the owls are restricted to the small fragments of prairie that remain as cattle pastures. In much of southern Saskatchewan, these small cattle pastures are the last remaining refuge for burrowing owls. The horses and cattle are beneficial to the owls, as they keep the grass short by grazing and provide nest-lining material (manure!) for the owls.

So what a treat, to see these owls near Val Marie!

Wider shot:  Burrowing Owls are another Prairie Dog town resident.
The nesting burrow must have been nearby, 
as we saw a pair of owls here. © SB

What are these birds? Burrowing Owls.
Location: In and near Grasslands National Park, Val Marie, Saskatchewan. 

Photo date:  July 25, 2013.

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Long-billed Curlews: A Species of Concern in Saskatchewan

Long-billed Curlew.   © SB

Early morning, and a Long-billed Curlew landed right behind our van on the EcoTour Road through Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan.

This graceful bird with the long, down-curving bill was lovely to see, especially as Long-billed Curlews — Canada's largest shorebird — are a Species of Special Concern in Canada, and their global population is also in decline.

The reasons for the decline of Long-billed Curlews are linked to land-use, and the increasing presence of agriculture; pesticides may also play a role.

Here's what Environment Canada has to say about Long-billed Curlews:

Habitat loss, both on the breeding and the wintering grounds, remains the largest current threat to the species' populations as native grasslands in Canada are lost to agriculture, development, and invasive species, and the wetlands and grasslands used by wintering birds face similar threats.  

These birds, which breed in short-grass prairie and other grasslands, have already been extirpated from Manitoba, our neighbouring province to the east.

On this early summer day, the first of the Prairie Passages Tour of grasslands and pastures around Val Marie, Saskatchewan, we saw three Long-billed Curlews — the one on the road, and two others that made forays through the park's Black-tailed Prairie Dog towns, foraging for food.

Grace in action: A post-sunrise treat to see their heads gracefully bobbing across their small island of protected grass.

Long-billed Curlew forages in the Prairie Dog town. © SB

What are these? Long-billed Curlews 

Location: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan.
Photo date: June 25, 2013

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Chestnut-collared Longspurs on Pasture Rocks in Saskatchewan

Chestnut-collared Longspur, singing in early morning. © SB

Early morning, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs are singing from rocks and sagebrush in a pasture near Grasslands National Park, in southern Saskatchewan.

These small songbirds seem to like a very specific habitat... I only saw them in this one small area, with sagebrush and these rocks.

Their limited habitat — and land-use competition for it — may explain why Chestnut-collared Longspurs are now entered as "threatened" on the Canadian federal government's Species At Risk lists.

In general, they prefer native pastures, followed by other grazed grasses and hayland, and in Saskatchewan, Chestnut-collared Longspurs are more often found on pastures than on hay or cropland.

That's significant, as their breeding territory and distribution is very limited, from southern Alberta to southern Manitoba, south to westcentral Colorado, and east through North Dakota and South Dakota to western Minnesota. (Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Chestnut-collared Longspur, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.)

From a distance or in flight, these prairie birds look, well, brown. Just like so many other little birds. But in breeding season, the males sport crisp black vests and vibrant chestnut collars. And start the morning, singing.

Chestnut-collared Longspur, displaying its chestnut collar.  © SB

Sagebrush: Another singing spot for Chestnut-collared Longspurs. © SB

Closer view of the Chestnut-collared Longspur on sage.© SB 

Seen on the Public Pastures-Public Interest 2013 grasslands/pastures Prairie Passages Tour with Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson. For more on the tour and updates on the work of PPPI and the future of the PFRA pastures, see Trevor Herriot's Grass Notes, and Pasture Posts.

What are these? Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
Location: Near Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan.
Photo date: June 25, 2013.

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Western Willet: Shorebird with grey legs and long grey beak

This Western Willet, a mottled grey, buff, white shorebird, was feeding in one of our insta-spring-lakes near Regina, Saskatchewan.

It dipped and bobbed its way across the flooded area beside the grid road, swallowed morsels of something it plucked from the water, then ambled on.

Western Willet, near Regina, Saskatchewan.   © SB

What is this?  Willet - Chevalier semipalmé

Location: Temporary slough, south east of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Photo date: May 26, 2013. 

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White-throated Sparrow - White and Tan Morphs: May Backyard Sparrow, Regina, SK (7)

White morph White-throated Sparrow 
in the apple tree © SB

When I saw the first White-throated Sparrow this year in my Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard, I was puzzled by its markings.

The White-throated Sparrows I'd seen (or noticed, anyway) last year were crisply marked — white head stripes, white throat, yellow lores (spots between the eye and bill).

Even their bright throats were clearly outlined, like the bird at right, one of the later White-throated Sparrows to arrive in my yard.

This year's first arrivals, however, were drab and very generically little-brown-bird.

But when I took shots for identification and displayed them full-screen on my 24-inch monitor — and significantly lightened the exposure, shadows, etc. — I realized these, too, where White-throated Sparrows.

There are a couple of options for the IDs of these browner bird, and perhaps a reader can help clarify this?

1. I've seen several similar White-throated Sparrows on photo websites posted as immature birds, but my Stokes shows the immatures as clearly white-marked... 
2. There are also Tan-morphs of White-throated Sparrows, which my Stokes shows as looking fairly close to the brown birds in my photos, so perhaps that's what these are? And if so, I guess the bright white guys would be white-morphs... 

In any case, that's what I'm leaning to here: #2. Tan morphs. Below. 

And so, this year, both the White and Tan morphs of White-throated Sparrows showed up in my yard. 

Which doesn't seem all that unusual, as apparently mated pairs "almost always include one of each morph." (Sibley guides info on White-Throated Sparrows.)  And these birds pictured above and below were both in the same apple tree... 

Tan morph White-throated Sparrow
in the same apple tree. © SB

Tan morph White-throated Sparrow on the ground. (Even more difficult to see its murky markings) © SB

What are these?  White-throated Sparrows, White morph Tan morph.
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Photo date: May 11, 2013. 

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