View allAll Photos Tagged canoneosR6
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Adult male is bright yellow with a glossy black head and rusty-orange underparts. Female is dullish yellow overall and can be difficult to distinguish from other female weavers. Look out for Weyns’s Weaver, which has a similar color pattern, but a black back in the male and pale eyes in both sexes. Inhabits wetland areas and builds an oval nest. Native to eastern Africa; established species in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. (eBird)
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This male weaver is working on his nest. Amazing to think that a bird can weave such a complex nest with just beak and claws. There are other species that build hanging nests but the weavers are the specialsts.
Kranji Marsh, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
The plantain squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in a wide range of habitats: forests, mangroves, parks, gardens, and agricultural areas. Fruit farmers consider them to be pests.
It is very quick and agile in trees, able to jump a few metres between trees, and rarely wanders on the ground. Its diet consists mostly of leaves and fruits, but it also eats insects and bird eggs. It is known to break open twigs that contain ant larvae to eat them. It can eat fruits much bigger than itself, such as mangoes, jackfruit, or coconuts. (Wikipedia)
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We saw this very cute species of squirrel in most places that we visited in Singapore. This one was checking us out as we watched the varied wildlife along the boardwalk.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
A large duck, nearly identical to Mallard in size and shape but with a much darker chocolate-colored body. Bill is yellow with a slight greenish tinge on males, dull grayish-green on females. Note blue wing patch lacks any white borders. Fairly common in northeastern North America, especially along the coast. Large flocks can gather in the winter in saltmarshes and estuaries, but also occurs in smaller numbers on ponds and lakes, often mixed with other duck species. Frequently hybridizes with Mallard. Hybrids usually look darker than typical Mallards and may have an intermediate head pattern; also look for white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail to indicate Mallard genes. (eBird)
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No mallards on PEI! We found a nice little flock of American Black Ducks in Charlottetown, just soaking up the sun by government house. Nice to know that these ducks may avoid the perils of hybridization with the mallards that is occurring elsewhere.
Victoria Park, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada. July 2024.
Laguna Beach, California
I got out of the house and went to the beach to cool off and take some photos.
Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks. (eBird)
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Definitely not a lifer. We have seen these wonderful herons many times, but that makes them no less special. This immature picked a shady perch with just a single ray of sunshine to warm him.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
Orange Hawkweek is native to parts of Europe (central, eastern, northern, southeastern and southwestern). It is widely naturalized elsewhere, including other parts of Europe such as Great Britain and Ireland, Central Asia, Canada, many states in the United States, Japan and New South Wales. Invasive hawkweed can replace native vegetation in open, undisturbed natural areas such as meadows, reducing forage and threatening biodiversity. (Wikipedia)
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While not yet considered invasive in Ontario, it does show up in various locations. It always amazes me to discover how many plants that I take for granted around me have been introduced from other countries or continents and are now threatening our native species.
Whitney, Ontario, Canada. July 2023.
The raccoon is a mammal native to North America. It is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in), and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg (11 to 57 lb). Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense underfur, which insulates it against cold weather. The animal's most distinctive features include its extremely dexterous front paws, its facial mask, and its ringed tail, which are common themes in the mythologies of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas surrounding the species. The raccoon is noted for its intelligence, as studies show that it is able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, eating about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates.
The original habitats of the raccoon are deciduous and mixed forests, but due to their adaptability, they have extended their range to mountainous areas, coastal marshes, and urban areas, where some homeowners consider them to be pests. As a result of escapes and deliberate introductions in the mid-20th century, raccoons are now also distributed across central Europe, the Caucasus, and Japan. (Wikipedia)
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This raccoon decided it was time to wake up from his winter hibernation and came out to enjoy an early spring day. We were very surprised to see that he was missing his entire striped tail. The loss did not seem to hamper his agility though as he bounded up this tree.
Petrie island, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. April 2024.
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Breeding males are unmistakable: brilliant red with black wings and tail. Females and nonbreeding males are dull yellow-olive with dark wings (blacker on males, grayer on females). Compare with female Summer Tanager, which has a longer bill and less contrast between wing and body color. Breeds in mature deciduous forests, usually staying high in the canopy. Migrants are also usually found in mature woodlands. Winters in northern South America. Occasionally visits feeders in the spring, especially after periods of rain or cold weather. Listen for burry song, like an American Robin with a sore throat. (eBird)
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Summer Tanagers can be hard to find sometimes because they sit very still in the trees, This female, with her dull colouring is even more difficult compared to her scarlet mate, so I was pleased to find her sitting out in the open like this.
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. May 2025.
Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders. (eBird)
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The pause that refreshes! This grackle has lost his typically fierce look and is having fun in the water! It was a hot and sultry day and he spent nearly five minutes just ducking in and out of the water.
Dieppe Marsh Trail, New Brunswick, Canada. July 2024.
The northern pearly-eye, is a species of butterfly of the subfamily Satyrinae in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in North America, from central Saskatchewan and eastern Nebraska east to Nova Scotia, south to central Alabama and Mississippi.
Adults feed on dung, fungi, carrion and sap from willows, poplars, and birches. The larvae feed on various grasses, including Leersia virginica, Erianthus species, Muhlenbergia species, bearded shortgrass, Uniola latifolia, bottlebrush grass, and false melic grass. The host plants of the northern population include sedges.
The species overwinters in the larval stage. (Wikipedia)
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I found this butterfly resting in the shadier part of the trail. It is a butterfly of the forests, rather than the flowering meadows, which makes finding and photographing it a little more of a challenge than some of the more brightly coloured butterflies.
Spruce Bog Trail, Alqonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. July 2023.
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Small, grayish-brown sandpiper. Typically shows relatively short, blunt-tipped bill, but this varies across the breeding range: western populations are shortest-billed, eastern populations are longest, and females have longer bills than males! Also note blackish legs, although they can appear dull gray or greenish. In breeding plumage, fairly pale grayish brown, sometimes with brighter rusty cap and cheek. Nonbreeding is plain gray above and white below. Juveniles have attractive scaly pattern on upperparts, and variable coloration: usually grayish with some buffy areas, occasionally brighter rufous. Most similar to Western and Least Sandpipers. Western averages slightly larger and longer-billed, with brighter rufous on breeding adults and juveniles; nonbreeding birds paler but extremely similar to Semipalmated. Least Sandpiper is darker and browner. Breeds on high Arctic tundra. Migrates to South America for the winter; very rarely lingers in the U.S. past November, unlike Western Sandpiper. Usually found in flocks, sometimes in very large numbers. Prefers open mudflats, but also found in marshes and beaches. (eBird)
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A young Semipalmated Sandpiper checking out the offerings at the beach at Presqu'ile PP. There was a nice mix of shorebirds along the shore of Lake Ontario, enjoying the sun and the plentiful food available.
Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. September 2024.
Eastern Ontario Birding.
Thymelicus lineola, known in Europe as the Essex skipper and in North America as the European skipper, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae.
This butterfly occurs throughout much of the Palaearctic region. Its range is from southern Scandinavia through Europe to North Africa and east to Central Asia. It was only identified in the UK in 1889, and its range is expanding both in England and in northern Europe. In North America, this butterfly was accidentally introduced in 1910 via London, Ontario and has spread across southern Canada and into several northern US states. In many parts of the Northeastern United States it is the most abundant skipper. (Wikipedia)
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Lovely little skipper flying resting early in the morning. There were lots of wildflowers in this area, all waiting for butterflies and other pollinators to come through. Of course, this one chose plain grass as its resting spot.
Whitney, Ontario, Canada. July 2023.
Irvine Regional Park
I could hear woodpeckers everywhere at the park. Not too difficult to spot and track.
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Heavy-set black-and-white shorebird, affectionately known by New Zealand birders as “SIPO” (rhymes with “typo”). Shows a distinctive red eye, long thick reddish bill, and thick pale-pink feet and legs. Found breeding along braided riverbeds, pastures, and lakes in the South Island of New Zealand, with a few breeding records on the North Island. Most of the population migrates north to estuaries, harbors, and sandy beaches in the North Island and northern South Island. Regular vagrant to Australia during the winter. Often heard giving distinct “kleep” call. Similar to pied-morph Variable Oystercatcher in New Zealand; look for SIPO’s smaller size, sharp border between black and white on lower chest, and extensive white on rump and back. Distinguished from Pied Oystercatcher in Australia by smaller size, longer and thinner bill, shorter legs, and more extensive white up the back and on the wings. (eBird)
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These South Island Oystercatchers were more common on the North Island than the very similar North Island and Variable Oystercatchers. This made for some exciting identification challenges, since they could be in mixed flocks. This shot is just one section of a flock of 6,000 Oystercatchers gathered on the mud flats. Shortly after I took this shot, at least half of them flew over our heads and disappeared down the shore. A rather thrilling, and noisy, experience!
Miranda Shorebird Reserve, Waikato, New Zealand. February 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
Inconspicuous and uncommon woodpecker of coniferous forests, particularly spruces, often at high elevations (especially in the Rockies). Prefers recently burned areas or bogs with many dead trees. Distinctive habit of flaking bark off trees in search of grubs; behavior shared only by Black-backed Woodpecker. Generally dark with barred flanks and subtle white spots on wings and back. Face is black with white stripes above and below the eye and white speckles on the forehead. Eastern birds darker than western birds. Males show yellow patch on crown; sexes otherwise alike. Most similar to Black-backed Woodpecker but American Three-toed always shows some white on back and more white on head. Listen for soft, hollow "pweek" call and slow drumming that fades at the end. (eBird)
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An unanticipated and very welcome find in Timmins was this American Three-toed Woodpecker. We'd seen one poorly in Quebec some years ago, and its European cousin in Finland, but this was the first Ontario sighting and by far the best view of either cousin. He entertained us for quite a while, flying from one shady spot to another in his search for lunch.
Hersey Lake Conservation Area, Timmins, Ontario, Canada. September 2023.
California State University
Fullerton
Biology Greenhouse Complex
There were several Gulf fritillary laying eggs and they did not slow down at all. This capture was very rewarding because it was not easy.
Striking and familiar backyard bird throughout most of eastern North America; also occurs in the southwestern U.S. and fairly extensively in Mexico. Crest, large red bill, and long tail render this species distinctive even with a poor view. Male is entirely red with a black face. Female is brownish overall with redder wings and tail. Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover, especially thickets near forest edges. Frequently visits bird feeders. Listen for high-pitched metallic chips and series of loud, sweet whistles. (eBird)
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Cardinals are shy and cautious around people but this one was interested in the seed we were sharing with the chickadees. He couldn't quite bring himself to come to our hands but when we dropped some by the side the trail he was right there and enjoying every morsel.
Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. September 2023.
Fairly large shorebird with bright yellow legs. Plumage is essentially identical to Lesser Yellowlegs: gray upperparts with white speckling, streaky neck, and white belly. Proportions are most important for identification. Greater is larger overall with longer, thicker, more upturned bill, longer neck, blockier head, and bigger chest. Forages actively on mudflats and in shallow pools and marshes, often in loose mixed flocks with Lesser Yellowlegs. Somewhat more likely to be found in larger, more open habitats than Lesser, but much overlap. Listen for strong, ringing “tew tew tew!” calls, louder than Lesser, and usually three or four notes instead of one or two (though Greater can also give single notes). (eBird)
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A fairly late migrant, this yellowlegs in non-breeding plumage had stopped over at the former gold mine tailings pond for a snack and a rest before continuing his trek southwards.
Hollinger Tailings Pond, Timmins, Ontario, Canada. September 2023.
Runnin and gunnin down Hollywood Blvd on a Saturday night in July 2021. It was crazy and I didn't stop for more than a few seconds at a time. Thousands of people to see from all walks of life, local and tourist.
I have more images coming from this visit of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders. (eBird)
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This grackle selected the perfect post and pose for his photo shoot. Catching the perfect light, what photographer could resist his lovely colours.
Opeongo Lake, Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. July 2023.
Medium-sized tern with pale gray coloring on upperparts and white on neck and underparts. Has black cap and long pointed black bill which are separated by a white band. Tail is long and quite forked. Cap in non-breeding birds is reduced above the eye, creating a white forehead. Juveniles are similar to adults in non-breeding plumage but have light brown mottling over their back. Common along coastlines around New Zealand, sometimes in very large flocks. Immature birds can disperse in winter to southeastern Australia. Arctic Tern and Common Tern are similar, but rarely seen in New Zealand; White-fronted Tern is larger and has lighter plumage. (eBird)
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Part of a colony of terns resting on the rocks. We saw these lovely terns frequently around the coastline during our trip. At each colony, we would search for either a Black-fronted Tern or the far more uncommon Common Tern. In the end, we found both, hiding deep in a large flock of White-fronted Terns.
Whangaparaoa Pen--Gulf Harbour Marina, Auckland, New Zealand. February 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
For those of you who enjoy black and white photography, please visit and join my new group www.flickr.com/groups/fabworldinbw/ where a lot of very talented photographers and artists are sharing their extraordinary work.
A striking large brown bulbul with thick white streaks on the breast, a faded orange head, and two prominent black stripes on the face (a thin eye line and a thicker moustache). Inhabits lowland and foothill waterside forests, where it can often be detected by its wonderfully rich, bubbling song. A highly sought-after cagebird, and thus declining heavily in the wild. (eBird)
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A much sought-after bird in Singapore where it is still relatively easy to find compared to the rest of its range. We heard this bird's gorgeous song several times but could not see it. Finally, we headed out to a spot early before breakfast in the hopes of seeing one. And there he was, preening in the early morning gloom before heading to this high branch to sing in the morning. Not the most perfect photo, but special to me because of his beauty and rarity.
Here's a link to the eBird page with a sound recording: ebird.org/species/sthbul1
Location withheld due to endangered status. Singapore. March 2024.
Birding Singapore.
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Small, grayish-brown sandpiper. Typically shows relatively short, blunt-tipped bill, but this varies across the breeding range: western populations are shortest-billed, eastern populations are longest, and females have longer bills than males! Also note blackish legs, although they can appear dull gray or greenish. In breeding plumage, fairly pale grayish brown, sometimes with brighter rusty cap and cheek. Nonbreeding is plain gray above and white below. Juveniles have attractive scaly pattern on upperparts, and variable coloration: usually grayish with some buffy areas, occasionally brighter rufous. Most similar to Western and Least Sandpipers. Western averages slightly larger and longer-billed, with brighter rufous on breeding adults and juveniles; nonbreeding birds paler but extremely similar to Semipalmated. Least Sandpiper is darker and browner. Breeds on high Arctic tundra. Migrates to South America for the winter; very rarely lingers in the U.S. past November, unlike Western Sandpiper. Usually found in flocks, sometimes in very large numbers. Prefers open mudflats, but also found in marshes and beaches. (eBird)
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We had a great shorebird outing in August. This is one of the many birds that we saw between Pembroke and Ottawa that day.
Constance Bay, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 2024.
Eastern Ontario Birding
Small warbler, dull olive overall with intense yellow throat. Adult males have black mask bordered above by a white band. Females and immatures are duller but always have contrasting yellow throat and undertail coverts. Common and widespread breeder throughout North America. Found in shrubby wet areas, including marshes, forest edges, and fields. Often hides in thick vegetation, but males often perch conspicuously when singing. Listen for ringing “witchity-witchity-witchity” song and low, harsh call notes. Very short, rounded wings, which equates to it being a short-distance migrant: winters from the southern U.S. to Central America. (eBird)
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The object of Mr. COYE's courtship, she would poke her head out for a moment or two and then disappear back into the trees. She is usually seen (and heard) even less than the male, so it was wonderful to get this nice look at her.
Opeongo Road, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. July 2023.