COMMON GRACKLE, POMONA MILLS PARK, THORNHILL, ON

WHAT IS THIS ROBIN DOING?, THORNHILL, ON

   We are not sure what's in the American Robin's mouth.  It doesn't look like an insect or other food.  It actually looks like a piece of bark from the tree it's on, but we aren't sure.  What's your guess?

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD TAKING OFF, RICHMOND GREEN PARK, RICHMOND HILL, ON

MOURNING DOVE, POMONA MILLS PARK, THORNHILL, ON

BONAPARTE'S GULL IN FLIGHT, NONQUON SEWERAGE LAGOONS, PORT PERRY, ON

SULPHUR BUTTERFLY ON RED CLOVER, NONQUON SEWERAGE LAGOONS, PORT PERRY, ON

LESSER YELLOWLEGS IN FLIGHT, NONQUON SEWERAGE LAGOONS, PORT PERRY, ON

   The Yellowlegs (both the Greater and Lesser) are migrating.  In the spring they migrate to Northern Canada and Alaska, where they breed.  Their breeding season is short and they start their migration south as early as late June.

   We believe this is a Lesser Yellowlegs for the following reasons:

• Bill is about the same length as the head
• Bill is straight - on Greater Yellowlegs it is slightly upturned
• Strips on flanks less extensive than on Greater Yellowlegs