September birds

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) - Kukagami Lake, Ontario - 2014 September 25

This week we were blessed with several beautiful days which seemed to be in short supply this year. Out at Kukagami Lake on a morning hike, I found numerous birds in the forest. Here a Ruby-crowned Kinglet posed just long enough for a photo. Smaller than a Chickadee these are very active birds and difficult to catch sitting still.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) - Kukagami Lake, Ontario - 2014 September 25

There were many groups of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the treetops, but they were very actively feeding and again difficult to photograph. Showing pale brownish tones this is a juvenile of the species, who took some time from foraging to watch me and my camera.

Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) - Kukagami Lake, Ontario - 2014 September 25

In an area recently cleared by lumbering this Gray Jay flew slowly past and then alighted on the branch of a Jack Pine to watch me. It never made a sound but almost seemed to be hoping I would provide something. This species is known to be very curious and almost tame around humans.

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) - Kukagami Lake, Ontario - 2014 September 25

On the return hike I came upon this Winter Wren in a pile of brush. The short stubby tail, cocked upright, and barred underside readily identify this wren.

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) - Kukagami Lake, Ontario - 2014 September 25

Almost back at our cottage I detected some movement beside the forest trail. Finally I saw this Ruffed Grouse well camouflaged by the fall colours.

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) - Garson, Ontario - 2014 September 28

Tonight while readying the back deck barbecue, I was suddenly greeted by a cacophony of squeaks and clucks. A large group of Common Grackles had settled into the top of a White Pine to enjoy the setting sun. Here one of the Grackles watched me with interest. In the evening light the iridescent feathers show a greenish tint.

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) - Garson, Ontario - 2014 September 28

Looking closer I noticed that one of the blackbirds was an imposter. Sitting behind one of the grackles was a juvenile European Starling also enoying the evening sun. This bird has already molted into the winter season spotted plumage but still carries the dark beak of a fledge year juvenile.