Yes, an interesting observation. Perhaps we should refer to it as quiscalus quiscula, their scientific name which seems so much more dignified. They are certainly very attractive birds, at least if one bothers to look closely. I think the problem may be a linguistic one with the many uses of the word common as an adjective adding confusion and unintended insult. In this case, common refers to three sub species rather than nothing special or not measuring up to a prescribed benchmark or expectation as the word is often used to describe fellow humans, especially disadvantaged humans. Common can be, but is not always, a very judgemental word.
That spot sounds perfect for a peaceful walk observing lake-life. The mute swan is our most common swan in UK - often living on rivers in towns and on public park lakes. The males ( a male is a cob) are well known to be aggressive in breeding season, very territorial. Kids are always warned against feeding or approaching them with “don’t get close to the male, their wings can break a man’s arm!” I think that may be so. An enjoyable read and super photographs as usual John.
Always such interesting and delightful photos and commentary. The last time I was there, it was with Jim and I'm going to venture there on my own. Thanks so much. It's really quite close to where I live.
A wonderful post, John, and a great series of photos. We’re really lucky in Southern Ontario to have so many of these sanctuaries and conservation areas. It makes it so easy to get connected with nature.
Aren't beavers wonderful creatures. They bring so many natural benefits to the landscapes they work in. They can also be destructive of course, but managed carefully they can remediate natural areas quickly and efficiently.
I really enjoyed this - especially comparing your experience to ours, both around the same time! I wasn’t sure I saw a little beaver, in a small side pond west of the main pond. I guess it was a beaver; the glimpse of its tail would have made it about the size of the beaver in your photo. That swan was something else, eh? He was in a really foul mood (no pun intended). Meanwhile his mate was oblivious, napping on the nest. Nice detail about the grass in the goose’s beak - I hadn’t noticed that at first.
I think it was 2 or 3 days ago. I am reading a great book called Beaverland. The author is obsessed with beavers. She says they used to be daylight creatures, till the fur trade. Then nighttime became safer. Also - I took a very similar photo of the reeds on the pond. I will see if I can attach it somehow.
Yes, he really is a bad actor for the pond. who does he remind you of, eh? I couldn't believe seeing the beaver because it was early afternoon and they are generally nocturnal. It was close to the side pond on the west side of the main pond where I spotted him. I wouldn't have noticed him at all except for photographing the grackle. At first I thought the beaver was chasing the grackle, but the bird did not fly away despite its proximity. As soon as the beaver saw me however it was gone. What day were you there?
Thanks Andy. I did take a couple of videos on my phone, but getting them onto the page is another story. I also trade to embed a sound bite of a red winged blackbird, but it didn't seem to work. I was recording sound on my computer from a Cornell Lab sound file, so maybe they have fixed it so you can't do that or maybe I just don't know what I'm doing. Cornell provides embeds but the embed code wouldn't work either.
This is an interesting coincidence John - you and I are posting about the same place - only yours is published and mine half-written - editing it right now. Will have to compare notes! Will read yours again more thoroughly in a bit.
I have always thought that whoever names birds shortchanged the common grackle
Yes, an interesting observation. Perhaps we should refer to it as quiscalus quiscula, their scientific name which seems so much more dignified. They are certainly very attractive birds, at least if one bothers to look closely. I think the problem may be a linguistic one with the many uses of the word common as an adjective adding confusion and unintended insult. In this case, common refers to three sub species rather than nothing special or not measuring up to a prescribed benchmark or expectation as the word is often used to describe fellow humans, especially disadvantaged humans. Common can be, but is not always, a very judgemental word.
Perhaps we should write an essay titled, "In Appreciation of the Uncommon Grackle" to give it just recognition.
That spot sounds perfect for a peaceful walk observing lake-life. The mute swan is our most common swan in UK - often living on rivers in towns and on public park lakes. The males ( a male is a cob) are well known to be aggressive in breeding season, very territorial. Kids are always warned against feeding or approaching them with “don’t get close to the male, their wings can break a man’s arm!” I think that may be so. An enjoyable read and super photographs as usual John.
S&S, thank you for dropping by and commenting. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
Always such interesting and delightful photos and commentary. The last time I was there, it was with Jim and I'm going to venture there on my own. Thanks so much. It's really quite close to where I live.
Go there soon Linda, while the goslings are still young. The swan should be hatching her eggs soon as well. That will be very interesting.
A wonderful post, John, and a great series of photos. We’re really lucky in Southern Ontario to have so many of these sanctuaries and conservation areas. It makes it so easy to get connected with nature.
Thanks Mark. I am starting to realize this. I think this year I will be paying more attention to our backyard spaces.
What wonderful sights of nature. The beaver and dam have to be my favorites. 💜
Aren't beavers wonderful creatures. They bring so many natural benefits to the landscapes they work in. They can also be destructive of course, but managed carefully they can remediate natural areas quickly and efficiently.
This was a lovely post! We don't have anything like this in Colorado Springs, so I'm certainly envious of the great wildlife images that you captured.
Thank you Rachel. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed this - especially comparing your experience to ours, both around the same time! I wasn’t sure I saw a little beaver, in a small side pond west of the main pond. I guess it was a beaver; the glimpse of its tail would have made it about the size of the beaver in your photo. That swan was something else, eh? He was in a really foul mood (no pun intended). Meanwhile his mate was oblivious, napping on the nest. Nice detail about the grass in the goose’s beak - I hadn’t noticed that at first.
I think it was 2 or 3 days ago. I am reading a great book called Beaverland. The author is obsessed with beavers. She says they used to be daylight creatures, till the fur trade. Then nighttime became safer. Also - I took a very similar photo of the reeds on the pond. I will see if I can attach it somehow.
Yes, he really is a bad actor for the pond. who does he remind you of, eh? I couldn't believe seeing the beaver because it was early afternoon and they are generally nocturnal. It was close to the side pond on the west side of the main pond where I spotted him. I wouldn't have noticed him at all except for photographing the grackle. At first I thought the beaver was chasing the grackle, but the bird did not fly away despite its proximity. As soon as the beaver saw me however it was gone. What day were you there?
Thank you for drawing my attention to a local sanctuary John. Hubby and I will have to take a day and visit.
Glad you had company on Sunday and are slowly weaving light into your pain.
Feed the love. Keep shining.
It's really worth it and the goslings are so cute now. I didn't see any of them thee on the Friday, so maybe they were born between my two visits.
And yes, we have been good company for each other.
Fantastic post John. Nice place that we visit often and you have captured the highlights beautifully!
Thanks Andy. I did take a couple of videos on my phone, but getting them onto the page is another story. I also trade to embed a sound bite of a red winged blackbird, but it didn't seem to work. I was recording sound on my computer from a Cornell Lab sound file, so maybe they have fixed it so you can't do that or maybe I just don't know what I'm doing. Cornell provides embeds but the embed code wouldn't work either.
This is an interesting coincidence John - you and I are posting about the same place - only yours is published and mine half-written - editing it right now. Will have to compare notes! Will read yours again more thoroughly in a bit.
Wow. That is amazing. What are the odds?