Tag: Birds

Lincolns Sparrow at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

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Lincoln's sparrow at zitacuaro, michoacan, mexico, 8

Before we even arrived at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico, we knew it was going to be someplace special.  Not only was the location centrally-located in relation to three nearby monarch butterfly preserves, but it also turned out to be a haven for interesting birds given the lush grounds and proximity to a sheltered river valley.  To our surprise, one day at lunch, a brave Lincolns Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) fluttered to the ground next to our sunlit table and cast a curious glance our way. Read more

Berylline Hummingbird at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

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Berylline Hummingbird sitting on a tree at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico

During the course of our stay at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico, Bob and I observed several different species of hummingbirds, but it always seemed that they were either far away or prone to disappear as soon as we got near.  On our hike down to the river adjacent to the hotel, we came across this Berylline Hummingbird basking in the morning sun. Read more

Nashville Warbler at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

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Nashville Warbler sitting in a tree, Zitacuaro, Mexico

What a pleasure to find a Nashville Warbler lingering in the wooded valley in Zitacuaro, Mexico.  Our morning walk into the depths of the shady glen was completed more out of curiosity than anything else.  It served as a bit of exercise after a hearty breakfast and pleased our senses with the sights and sounds of tropical plants and surroundings.  The presence of dozens of songbirds was an unexpected bonus. Read more

Long-eared Owl at Tommy Thompson Park

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long-eared owl, tommy thompson park, toronto 1

Owing to family demands this winter, Bob and I have had no opportunity to do birdwatching, much less skiing or hiking.  One past Sunday was our first day of liberty, and we seized the moment by going to one of our favorite spots for birdwatching…   Tommy Thompson Park    in Toronto.  We were not disappointed and came up with a lifer, a gorgeous Long-Eared Owl. Read more

Vermilion Flycatchers At Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

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Vermilion Flycatcher, male, zitacuaro, michoacan, mexico 2

Bob and I arrived at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico, late in the afternoon after having landed in Mexico City that morning, so it wasn’t until the next day that we set out for a walk to explore the extensive landscaped grounds surrounding the well-kept resort.  That is when we came upon a Vermilion Flycatcher that was frequenting a bench in one spacious area of open lawn. Read more

Roosters Cockfighting Near Ocampo In Mexico

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roosters cockfighting near angangueo - mexico 4

The second morning following our arrival in Mexico, Bob and I took full advantage of a perfect sunny day to go to Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca “El Rosario” to witness the phenomenon of wintering Monarchs by the millions.  Getting there was half the adventure, and unexpected sights such as a spur-of-the-moment cockfight at roadside certainly made the trip interesting. Read more

Hepatic Tanager At El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve

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Hepatic Tanager -male- on rope fence at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve, in Michoacán, Mexico

As Bob and I climbed the mountain at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Mexico, we were on the alert for any new bird species living in that forest habitat.  It wasn’t until we returned to the visitor centre back at the trailhead that we were treated to a sighting of Hepatic Tanagers. Read more

Gray Jays Wintering In Algonquin Provincial Park

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gray jay in algonquin provincial park - ontario - pic 4

Who can resist the endearing face of a chubby Canada Jay or Gray Jay as they are more familiarly known?  In certain areas of Algonquin Provincial Park, one is almost guaranteed to sight these friendly birds that are always quick to come close as if in welcome to their territory, the boreal forest. Read more

Juvenile Coopers Hawk stakes out my Toronto backyard

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juvenile coopers hawk on arbour - toronto - ontario

Bob and I enjoy birdwatching through our patio door as we take our meals every day, but near the beginning of this past December, as we finished up our lunch, all the songbirds took flight in a rushed panic.  Next thing we knew, this Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk assumed a stakeout from on top of my garden arbour. Read more

Eastern Screech Owl: A Master of Disguise In Burlington, Ontario

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eastern screech owl gray morph_lasalle park_burlington_ontario 4

Bob and I could not believe our good fortune when we found a second Eastern Screech Owl on the same visit to Burlington, Ontario.  This Eastern Screech Owl Grey Morph is quite different from the Red Morph Eastern Screech Owl we had just observed at a nearby Cemetery. Read more