MARSH WREN, COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK, TORONTO, ON

   We can ID this bird as a Marsh Wren by its prominent white eyebrows; dark crown; slender bill that is dark above, light below and slightly downsurved; white throat and upper chest; and upright tail.   The Marsh Wren  was heard by a number of birders before it was seen.  It was hidden among cattails.  It was finally sighted because a sparrow came along and disturbed it.
   The Marsh Wren is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 523.



LEAST BITTERN, COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK, TORONTO, ON

   We can ID this wading bird as a Least Bittern by its small size (it is one of the smallest herons in the world), crown of dark brown, back of dark brown with white lines,  underparts of buff and white stripes and neck and sides of buff.
   The Least Bittern is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 522.



MUTE SWANS, CRANBERRY MARSH, LYNDE SHORES CONSERVATION AREA, WHITBY, ON

   The majority of these swans are adult Mute Swans, but the ones with a completely dark bill are probably juveniles. 






BALTIMORE ORIOLE NEST, PRESQU'ILE PROVINCIAL PARK, BRIGHTON, ON

   The hanging Baltimore Oriole nest shown in the photo is built by the female.   The opening is at the top.   It is tightly woven and made of any plant or animal materials available.



Monday, May 22, 2017

WARBLING VIREO, PRESQU'ILE PROVINCIAL PARK, BRIGHTON, ON

   We can ID this bird as a Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) by its gray upperparts, white underparts, dark line through eye, white eyebrow, white lores, hints of yellow and thick, straight, slightly hooked  bill.
   The Warbling Vireo is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 521.