I was in my hometown of Grimsby, Ontario the other day for a wedding. I had hoped to find the Northern Hawk Owl that had been seen all winter at one location. I spent 2 hours hiking the railroad tracks off 10th E., looking for it, but to no avail. On my way back to the road, this bird was perched in the top of the tallest tree on the north side of the tracks, west of 10th Rd E. Apparently in the location where the owl was frequently seen. I thought it was a Northern Shrike, but I had only a Canon S3 IS camera with me and took these photos at 10x optical 4x digital zoom. (The photo taken only at 10x optical is not any better, in fact, it is worse.)

I will say that the bird was HIGH in the tree - at the very top, probably 40-50' up. When it finally flew it maintained its altitude of approximately 40' and flew off in a slightly undulating manner.

Compared to the Loggerhead Shrikes I see at home in North Carolina, this bird had a much 'thinner' mask. I could not make out some of the details that are described in the OFO website for Shrike ID.

Any comments would be appreciated.

 

Found this mink the other day on the road, with his prey beside him - a rat. Unfortunately this mink got nailed by a car in the night. This is the 3rd mink I've found in the last 3 years. I brought it to a friend who is a trapper. I still have one in the freezer that I might get mounted sometime. Neat mammal.

This little guy was discovered by our youngest daughter as well. She noticed him eyeing a flock of blackbirds in the neighboring field. I got my camera and this was as good as it got. It was windy and cold - and this guy reflects that I think.

This elegant young hawk has been checking out our bird feeder lately. Laurel noticed him and got mom to take a picture. (Great job Charlene!).

My first photo to add to this blog is of an immature Black-crowned Night Heron. This guy was tucked in some shrubs at Pea Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was cool and windy and he was just chillin, or heatin, I guess. I like the look he's giving me here.

Hi all. I am starting this blog as a place to post wildlife photos, especially those photos of birds. Although, who knows what will actually get posted here. I love birdwatching, and photography.

"Gentilis" is the species portion of the scientific name of the Goshawk - Accipiter gentilis, one of my favorite birds of prey.

Welcome.

Alan