Protective Males - Red Wing Black Bird & Canada Goose

I am always on the lookout for new birds, but I am out of luck this year. Same birds as last year: a bunch of Red-winged Blackbirds and Canada Goose. Not to mention that their population has also increased more than usual.

Red-winged Blackbird [female]

We also have American Robins, which are the most common birds hanging out around residential areas. I remember one incident when, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, many moons ago, we met a man walking back from the four-hour trail. He told us what he saw: a moose, a bear, and one American Robin. We smiled. I don't really mind American Robins because they have a very pleasant song, but I am starting to mind too many photos of them.

So far, I have been able to see hummingbirds only once. I found them on a local trail around my house. I saw them for a few seconds, and they were gone. Every year they come to see my chestnut tree, but not this year because the tree is already losing flowers and the nuts are starting to form.

Red-winged Blackbird [male]

But what can I say? Having the usual is better than nothing. On the first photo is a female Red Wing Black bird. Amazing contrast in plumage between the female and the male red wing. Followed by the photo of a screaming or signing Red Wing Black bird male. They usually make a lot of noise when people pass by their nests. Males are very protective.

Canada Goose

Another very protective bird is the Canada Goose. This one would jump on the railing close by where the nest was and hiss at everyone passing by. I used to be scared, but I have noticed that if you do nothing and just walk, they will only give you a warning.

Well, my three-year-old bird continues to grow, sing, dance, and run. The latest and greatest is the Superman boy named Matthew.

~ Anna

[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]