Monday, April 27, 2009

Birds, birds and more birds!

Hermit Thrush at Point Pelee

My husband and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary yesterday. We went away for the weekend to Point Pelee, the most southern tip of land in Canada. Many birds migrate through this point, crossing Lake Erie northward in the spring and southward in the fall. A small archipelago is in the area providing places to rest on the long journey across the lake. I will be featuring some posts on this interesting spot but have to organize my thoughts and pictures first. We saw so much in such a short time.

Fox Sparrow in my yard today

After work today, I noticed a couple of unusual birds with spotted breasts in our yard. I assumed they were a pair of thrushes and went out after dinner to take a closer look. I got two good identifying shots and to my surprise realized I had two different species digging in my garden at the same time;- a Fox Sparrow and a Hermit Thrush! These birds confused me before and they confused me again.

There were many thrushes on Point Pelee this weekend and I identified a Hermit Thrush and a Wood Thrush. I find these birds to be quite elusive and was surprised to see one so visible in our yard.

Hermit Thrush in my yard today

Spring migration is in full swing. We have had several warm days with a southerly wind and the birds are coming north in large numbers. Our birding forums are buzzing with sightings and pictures. When I got home my Google reader had 120 new posts up in the past three days. It must be an inspiring time for many bloggers. I will read through the list, but cannot catch up on commenting. I am sure many of you find yourselves in similar situations and want to be outdoors as much as possible now that spring is here.

More to come...

17 comments:

  1. Spring and new birds arriving is such a wonderful time of year. Blessings,Ruth

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  2. Congratulations with your anniversary! I love the Hermit sparrow, so endaring:)

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  3. Ruth,

    I have never seen a fox sparrow that I know of. I will keep my eyes open for this species. Nice photos. You always get such great shots.

    Glad you enjoyed your time at Point Pelee. Happy Anniversary and have a great week.
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  4. Happy Anniversay Ruth. I look forward to more pics and stories of your trip to Point Pelee.

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  5. A happy belated anniversary Ruth! Looking forward to seeing the photos of your trip. I've had a Hermit Thrush a few times, but like you said, he's very elusive and hard to catch. Great photo!!

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  6. The photo with the fox sparrow is wonderful, especially against that gorgeous sun-kissed yellow background! Happy Anniversary!

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  7. Point Pelee could never been a disappointment. I'm so excited to see what you are going to share with us.

    A bird that closely resembles any type of sparrow makes me confused. Cute pictures of the Thrush and Fox Sparrow.

    With this being my first spring actually looking for birds...I can't believe what I have been missing all these years. I may have to switch from fall to spring for my favorite season.

    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

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  8. Very nice post. I enjoyed the bird pictures. And congrats on the annversary!

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  9. You picked a good day for "Punta" Pelee, it's rainy and chilly today. (Did you wave going by my house?!)

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  10. Hi Ruth....I love your bird shots....as you know the thrush is one of my favourite species.....and your photography shows them beautifullly.....
    The hermit sparrow is gorgeous, I would have mistaken it for another thrush...

    Happy belated anniversary......

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  11. I meant fox sparrow, of course.....

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  12. The two species do look a lot alike. It takes concentration to be a good birder.
    I understand about spring fever. I'm having trouble staying inside much, too.

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  13. All of the years we lived in Sarnia, we never made it to Point Pelee. We're not birders, but still ...

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  14. Best wishes for many more. Love your pictures, as usual.

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  15. A very Happy Anniversary and many more to you and hubby Ruth...

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  16. Nice photos you took there. I myself is a beginner in birding so I'm still trying to find my way to this new world. :)

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  17. Congratulations on your anniversary.

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