Black-legged Kittiwakes are Returning

 As further evidence of the coming of Spring, Black-legged Kittiwakes have been spotted at Cape Spear and at Pier 17. These gulls often spend most of the winter at sea and return to the coast where they breed on cliffs. There is a cliff on the north shore at Cape Spear where they are commonly seen during breeding season.

These Black-legged Kittiwakes  photographed at Pier 17 were so close and yet so far. They flew in and went down behind the rocks near the protected area behind the Port Authority. They were fairly easily seen through the fence with binos, but the camera just couldn't maximize the opportunity through the 2" squares of the chain-link fence.

How frustrating is the new security that has been imposed at Pier 17 and other areas of the harbour! Many pleasurable moments of watching birds have been impeded by the distance and barriers. What could possibly be so secret that a few birders could present a security risk? There are so many wasted areas of a beautiful harbour. For instance, erecting a wall of winter salt on the harbour so that it blocks one of the most scenic views of the city? There have to be other places. Have we lost sight of the simple pleasures?

Well, it is what it is, and I guess we just have to live with it, but it is nice to dream. Wouldn't it be amazing if the province recognized the value of all of the wonderful birds that grace us with their presence. There are so many areas, including Pier 17, where small bird blinds could be erected to provide an unobstructed view of all of these birds.

To my knowledge, there is only one blind provided, and that is at Pippy Park. If there were a more comfortable viewing blind erected at Cape Spear, who knows what birds may be spotted because watchers could actually stay long enough to look without freezing or being blown away. It seems to just make good sense to promote the environmental health of this province by making it easier for residents and visitors to view the regular, yet amazing, birds. The rare species that have been known to drop in, i.e. Yellow-legged Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, Pink-footed Goose and more already do attract a number of out-of-province birders.  Why not promote this resource to increase our exposure on the world stage of birding.

Developing a tourism ad with the flavour of the current spots to focus on the amazing birding opportunities would certainly have an appeal to a large population.

Parade of Immature Birds from 2012

Over the months, I often group pictures in a folder and wait until I have enough to try to tell a story. Today, I have tapped into the folder I labeled "immatures."

Now, I know there are those that will tell me I am getting ahead of myself. Just because we have seen above-freezing temps and several days of sunshine, that doesn't mean Spring is here.

Well, I just can't help looking forward to warm days, gentle breezes and lots of birds. It is in my blood. In my home state of Arkansas, Spring is looming large right now, and my internal seasonal clock is telling me it is time. I am going to feel that even more tomorrow morning as I wake up and find daylight at 6 a.m.

When the elusive warm weather does finally take hold of Newfoundland, we have much to look forward to. The first birds to mate and show off their young are the ducks. This will happen all season long. I was amazed last year to see ducklings as late as August last year.

Such birds as Mallards and American Black Ducks are very, very common to us all year long. However, the parade of babies being trained by their vigilant parents is always a show-stopper.

 Then, as Spring melts into summer, we will see immature birds steadily until fall migration. This immature Cedar Waxwing was found in Pouch Cove in late August.

Immature Black-capped Chickadees, always a favorite, will appear in July. This inquisitive and perfectly-shaped little bird charms and excites no matter when it is seen. During the Fall, it is sought out because of the unusual migratory companions that sometimes gravitate to the small chickadee flocks.

 It was early August when I saw my first Red-breasted Nuthatch last year. Like many of the immature woodland birds, the nuthatch has lots of spots and blotchy feather patterns.

 One of the sweetest immature birds I saw last year was this Common Tern at St. Vincent's Beach in late July. Now, if you really want to risk life and limb, just  get out of the car in the area of tern breeding grounds, and the adult tern will begin to dive-bomb you. Guess what they use as bombs!

Late July and early August brings plenty of immature birds learning the ropes while attentive parents watch on. This immature Fox Sparrow was so spotted, I wasn't even sure what it was.

This immature Pine Grosbeak showed up in early October. I thought that to be very late to see young birds.

The immature American Robin has confused many. This one photographed on the first day of August is well on the way to immaturity. There are still remnants of spots on its breast.

In late July, I saw this immature Swamp Sparrow at Belleview Beach. I thought I had found a rare bird, because as an immature, its marking were so different. It is easy to be fooled by immatures, but I think all of my exposure last year will better equip me to make quicker ID's this year.

This entry can be useful in providing an overview of when we might expect to see some of these immature birds around. Not tomorrow, as I would hope.

No Birds

 It seems like a long, dry spell for woodland birds. I have looked for woodpeckers, finch, sparrows and more, to no avail. Nevertheless, on many days I still dress in five layers and head out into the cold.

The near absence of small birds doesn't lessen the lure of the land to draw me outdoors. I am revitalized each time a draw a breath of fresh, very fresh (albiet cold) air. I am further charged by often seeing something for the first time, something I have eyed over and over before.

When there is no distraction fluttering around a tree or hopping on the ground, I tend to be more attentive to the other things around me.

Bowring Park draws many people, season in and season out. Many are enjoying the recreational resources, jogging or walking at a fast clip. This is a place that really warrants a slow stroll to actually see all that it has to offer.

The area is steeped in history and commemoration. What a great history lesson for young and old! I see so many busses lined up at the Fluvarium, Pippy Park, but I have yet to see a school group walking through the park, learning about the history that Newfoundlanders feel so proud of as to erect momument after momument to ensure we never forget.

 

This is the best web site I could find that succinctly provides an overview of the many treasures and history of this park. http://www.nfld.com/nfld/tourism/bowring/history.htm

Beyond the sculptured history are many interesting stories about trees planted around the park. That would be a venture unto itself, to stroll around looking for the many varieties of trees native to the area and learn the stories behind those imported and planted by dignitaries. It seems no one has gotten around to preparing a grounds map notating all of the special features of the great park.

 Last but certainly not least, this is one of the more civilized areas to visit in the winter. Unlike many of the other parks in the city and surrounding areas, the washrooms remain open all winter, heated. That makes it easier to spend a day there. However, it would be necessary to rotate the car if planning to stay the day. There is a two-hour parking limit imposed on the east end parking lot.

It was reported that Mrs. Rose Crosby was searching for a water trough like this one to install on the grounds of the Lieutenant Govenor's residence. Last I heard, she hasn't been able to find one, which may make this the last existing water trough that was standard fare in downtown St. John's years ago.

Then, there are the simple, natural creations sculpted delicately as only Nature can do. These ice candles will burn until the warmth of the sun melts them away.

Enjoying all of this makes it a little more tolerable that they are so few birds to find.

Survivor Newfoundland!

 Winter birding has come to a close in Newfoundland, and my Winter List reached 100, just barely. That was better than last year's 88, but then again, I was working during that time.

Winter has brought us a real mixed bag of weather filled with mounds of snow, high winds and chilling temps, making it hard to get out to look for birds under these conditions.

 Yet, through it all, there were some errant birds that dropped in during Fall migration and never left. These hardy survivors have made Winter a little more interesting for us all.

With nothing new dropping in, except for the IVORY GULL, these survivors have been eyed over and over as we patiently await the Spring migrants to drop in.

 Some of these vagrants have been no ordinary species for us. This Pink-footed Goose really doesn't seem like it is struggling to survive, but rather seems to be spending enjoyable day after enjoyable day at the Bowring Spa, where food is delivered daily and a parade of paparazzi fuels his ego.

All of the species pictured here  (although some of the shots are not the actual bird) have been seen deep into Winter and reported as late as February. The only one known to have met its demise was the Baltimore Oriole that was thriving until it was snatched by a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The Tree Sparrow, still at Caledonia Place, is becoming more and more visible. Almost each time I drop into the area, I catch sight of him.

 The Northern Mockingbird of Roche Street was recently seen after a long absence. With the shortage of berries and cone crops this year, these rare species for NL are staying close to feeders.

In the absence of the finch we usually see at this time of the year, it has certainly been a breath of fresh air to be able to get out and search for these present species like the Northern Shoveller, the Gadwall, the Yellow-breasted Chat and the Northern Mockingbird that keep moving around from pond to pond and yard to yard.

This morning, I was looking at the Weather Channel web site and saw a video filmed in Clarenville where someone was feeding the ducks. Among them I saw another American Coot and two very small little ducks. I couldn't see them well, but I venture they were Green-winged Teal. When I saw that, I was thinking there are probably a lot of other rare or uncommon birds tucked away in unknown places around the province wishing Spring would come.

Last, but not least is this little Yellow-rumped Warbler - the last known surviving warbler. When first seen, this little bird looked frail and scared. Bruce Mactavish has maintained a steady supply of suet in the area of the Waterford Valley, and as a result, this little bird will likely make it through to welcome his buddies back in the Spring. Nevertheless, just because the official Winter birding season is over, it doesn't mean Winter is over. We are sure to see these special visitors fight through a couple of more storms during March. Most of those who survive will move on when the worst of the weather ends, and we welcome them back any time.