A Spotted Sandpiper at the pond's edge

I love dots and find them ever so delightful when seen on a Spotted Sandpiper's body. I was searching the pond's edges one sunny day last week hoping to find a Painted turtle sunning itself upon the pond's shores.  Here are a few pictures  of the Spotted Delight that I had seen.

I had meant to post these Sandpipers on Saturday Critters but the day got away from me before I had it organized and under control.  I am hoping to get some Swallowtail butterfly pictures next week as our lilac bush is in beautiful bloom and colour : all ready to receive S2wallowtail feeding guests.  Have a nice Sunday everyone.  Sunny with cloudy intervals here and a bit cool, not such a lovely day.

Cliff Swallows Gathering Mud for Nest building

Yesterday I noticed much active behaviour and wing fluttering of a small bird species around a mud puddle and decided to take some pictures to attempt to discover what was taking place.  It didn't take long to realize it was a small group of Cliff Swallows gathering mud to build a nest which I discovered in the eaves of a house nearby  where a cliff swallow house was being constructed.
The many pictures below need few words to describe the action.

Today I am linking with http://viewingnaturewitheileenblogspot.ca

Have a wonderful; holiday weekend folks.

Northern Shovelor

The Northern Shovelor is a duck that I don't often see, however, on Thursday of last week we saw about4 pairs feeding in weeds along the shoreline of the Saint John river at Sheffield.  At first we weren't sure what we were watching but the the size and shape of their bills left no doubt we were observing Shovelors.

                                          thisduck has a prominent ,wedge shaped bill

 

above , a male Northern Shovelor

                                                 wing spread of a male Northern Shovelor

                              two shovelors ( male and female?)

A Savannah Sparrow for Camera Critters

It has been several years since I have seen a Savannah Sparrow in Bird Alley, but this week I have had one or two feeding there. I didn't really see it until I had downloaded some  pictures of what I had thought was a White-throated sparrow.  I had been confused as both sparrow species have yellow lores and a white throat ( the savannah's white throat is not as noticeable as the White throated sparrow and the white median on the head of the savannah is not as strong as that of a white throated.  You can see by comparing the pictures that I post.  My first picture is of a Savannah Sparrow and you can see its yellow lores ( the region between the eye and the bill on the side of the bird's head.)

above , a Savannah Sparrow, notice the weak white medium( line) on its head.

Above is a white throated sparrow, notice the yellow lores and the strong white medians(lines) on its head and the white throateds as compared to the Savannah Sparrow.

Next , a couple more Savannah Sparrow pictures.

 

So there you are, Savannah Sparrows.  I hope I haven't confused you too much with my mention of White throated Sparrows.  I would be interested in knowing if others have seen Savannah Sparrows often?

I am linking this morning to Eileen's meme, Saturday Critters, which can be found at http://viewing naturewitheileen.blogspot.ca

 

Female Wood Duck

Words are not always necessary!

First Great Blue Heron Sighting

Welcome to the first day of May!  Isn't it wonderful!  I am beginning to see some of our old favourites that have returned!.  Saturday I caught a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron.  What magnificent birds they are!  The one I saw was in the midst of a tangle of bushes and twigs but nevertheless I was able to find it in the middle of the picture  below.

Can you see it in the middle.  Maybe the next picture will help.  I applied a bit of funky focus to help in seeing it!

 Yes, there it is.  Now lets have a better look at it.

Ta Da!

It is going to be a beautiful first day of May with warm temperatures forecast.  Have a wonderful day everyone.  We are planning on going to a favourite annual yard sale today.  I will probably buy lots of books and I am always hoping to find some fabric,  Then later in the day our son will be coming out for dinner.. Oh Happy day in May!!