Sentinel.

A juvenile American Robin stands sentinel as a storm rolls in.

bird

Whizzed by.

Same storm as I posted about last night. This Turkey Vulture whizzed by flying downwind. I was rapidly swinging the camera trying to keep up, snapping away, and am surprised to have caught it at all.

Quite an acrobatic show.

Yesterday evening a decaying thundershower moved in, and an outflow gust front from it brought brisk and gusty wind. Turkey Vultures returning to their nearby roost rode the wind and put on quite an acrobatic show, wheeling, tilting and rocking, power diving, a few blowing through at less than treetop height.

I caught this one in a stoop, wings drawn in, losing altitude in a hurry.

First sighting – of something.

A couple weeks ago I saw this unfamiliar bird hopping around the backyard, keeping away from the open lawn. I gave up ID’ing it after a short time.

While reviewing photos tonight I tried again and narrowed it down to either a Gray-cheeked Thrush or a Swainson’s Thrush, cannot decide which. I am inclined to say Swainson’s because of the distinct eyering, though they seem to forage mostly in trees.

Whichever it was, it is the first time I remember seeing such a bird.

ongbird

As it rolled in.

A thunderstorm swept in Wednesday afternoon. I went outside to get a good look at the storm as it rolled in. Lightning began crackling and thunder roaring, so it was time to go inside.

As attractive.

I mix whole shelled sunflower seed into what goes in the feeders. In wet weather I watch how much of this I put out, since it spoils so quickly.

For American Goldfinches, it’s as attractive a food as the in-shell sunflower.

Lovely.

Faye captured a lovely image of our redbud tree in bloom.

lovely

Tidbit.

An adult Common Grackle drops a tidbit into a fledgling’s waiting and eager mouth.

Aptly named.

I saw this bird Wednesday afternoon making its way along some of the Manitoba maples’ limbs. Unfortunately neither camera nor binoculars were handy. I made a point to have the camera handy this afternoon and fortunately it paid another visit.

It seems to be the aptly named Black-and–white Warbler, possibly a female since the belly streaks appear to be a buff colour. I don’t recall ever seeing it before. I am pleased to have seen it flitting about.