The Woods Come Alive

 It was the American Robins that lured me back to Long Pond for two days straight.

 It was so easy to stand for a long period of time just enjoying the feeding frenzy.

 When I first moved into the area of activity, the robins scattered. I just stood very still and quiet for about five minutes, and they began to surround me going about their business as if I weren't there.

 What a show they put on! Scanning to see if there might be anything different among them, I found this really pale robin. I don't know what might account for this. Maybe he just needs to eat a lot more red berries to brighten up his red-breast.

 About two weeks ago, I came across about 100 robins on Blackhead Road. They were flocking overhead, feeding on lawns and perching in trees. Perhaps this is the same flock that found its way to town.

 While scrutinizing each bird as best I could, I found this one. There is something strange appearing to grow out of its shoulder.

 Once I had a good look at all of the birds around me, I headed back to the parking lot. Bubbling over with sheer enjoyment of the robins and other little birds attracted to this flock, I almost forgot my main reason for going to Long Pond - to see the Northern Goshawk.

 On the return walk, I caught sight of a good-sized bird float past me on the water side of the trail. It didn't move like a crow, and it didn't make any noise. I set out to find the bird as it didn't seem to go very far. I walked out onto the edge of the pond and looked back into the trees, but found nothing. I headed back on the trail to continue my look. Then, there it was - a female Northern Goshawk sitting quietly on a branch. I got one shot before it lifted off.

 Again, it stayed by the water's edge and headed toward the small beach on the north side. I walked slowly toward the area. There sat the hawk high atop a tree across from the beach. Once again, I got one picture before it flew. This hawk made my day!

As I continued to walk toward my car, I came across this small group of Pine Siskin. It is really nice to see the finches return to St. John's. The woods have been too quiet for too long.

The Quidi Vidi Peregrine Falcon

 Until yesterday I hadn't really had a chance to look at the Quidi Vidi Peregrine.

 First I saw him while driving down the road on a less-than-nice day, so I didn't stop.

 Then, a couple of weeks later, I saw him fly across the road by Bally Haly golf course.

 Neither looks were particularly pleasing.

 Finally, yesterday, all the elements came together. I was able to watch this beautiful bird for about a half an hour.

 He seemed to be really sleepy - closing his eyes frequently and ignoring the pigeons that flew by.

 Then, he perked up. I thought he was going to fly, but as it turned out, he just needed a good stretch after sitting so long.

 He finished by puffing up his feathers and settling back down for a good rest.

This last photo shows the White-Winged Crossbills I came across yesterday. To me, it was a great find since I didn't see a single one last year.

A Few of My Favorite Pictures

 At this time of year when birding is slow, I begin to flip through my picture files to delete many images from the previous year.

 In the process, I tend to come across a few pictures each year that I like. For one reason or another, they never got included in a post.

 So, today, I share a few of this photos with you and hope you, too, enjoy them.

White-thoated Sparrows Lingered into December

By December most sparrows have long left us here in Newfoundland. The exception to the rule is the Song Sparrow. Each winter it is possible to see a number of them around the city with at least eight known survivors around the city this year.

Aside from the Song Sparrows, there will be the occasional Fox Sparrow turn up here and there. This year I have seen three straggling White-throated Sparrows. One was located off Blackhead Road in a known breeding area, one in Cape Broyle and one in Port Kirwin.

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The White-throated Sparrow is one of my favorites. Its very distinct whistle will easily identify its location. When not singing, it is the metallic chip that will give is location away.  

This species is not at all secretive. It will jump up on a branch and show its handsome self to anyone willing to look, then quickly go on about its business. Two of the best locations to see this bird (when they return) is Power's Road and off Blackhead Road on the trail near the bus shelter.

Click on image to enlarge. The vibrant colors of this bird are beautiful.

Many immature sparrows look very similar when they first take wing, typically streaky and dark.

I believe this fledgling is a White-throated Sparrow.

In an article written in May 2013, I elaborated more on the on the tan-stripe and white-stripe morphs of this species. For more information visit: http://retiringwithlisadeleon.blogspot.ca/2013/05/white-throated-sparrow-two-morphs.html