March of the Sandpipers

These are Sandpipers, but it's an open question as to what type of Sandpipers they are. They may be Least Sandpipers or Semipalmated Sandpipers, and just so you can be assured I'm not an idiot, the morning I saw these guys there was an Ontario government biologist on the scene and he didn't know which type they were either. So there.

Being arctic birds, these guys are also potential early arrivals in the spring. And, as you can see, if you spot one Sandpiper on the shores of Lake Ontario, you can be certain some others won't be far behind.

Click to enlarge.

Lesser Scaup

How often have Lesser Scaup come up in conversation while you've been shooting the breeze with fellow Torontonians? Probably never. So you might be shocked to find these are among the most common ducks in North America. There is a Greater Scaup too, which can mostly be distinguished by its more rounded head.

If you've been paying close attention to our recent mini-series (and I hope you have because there's going to be a test) the theme has been animals you can see in the pre-spring and early spring. Fitting in with this pattern your Lesser Scaup are early spring arrivers because they dwell in the arctic come summer. They can handle the chill in March and April.

This male in breeding plumage was shot at Humber Bay Park East which has ample parking and also provides close-in viewing of birds in the spring and fall. Like all birding areas around the city though, it can be hit and miss.

Click to enlarge.

The Lost Ruddy Turnstone

As winter begins to really set in I should be switching to some winter images to get you all in the mood. The only problem is I don't really have that many winter images, because heck it's cold in the winter and I don't like it much. Sure I should be telling you it doesn't matter, if you want to take pictures of wildlife or see wildlife or any nature at all you've got to get out there all the time, rain, sleet or snow. And sure, you can do that, just be rest assured that more than likely I won't be out there with you in the winter months.

But....

I do have an image of an arctic bird: a ruddy turnstone walking along the beaches of Lake Ontario. These birds spend their summers way, way up in the arctic and summers around the Florida keys and Cuba. This guy must have got separated from his flock during the northbound springtime trip (when this was taken). He was walking and flying up and down the beach looking for his pals. I hope somehow he found them.

Turnstones incidentally get their name by turning over stones to look for food. You would have never guessed that on your own.