This week’s Cosmic Photo Challenge is The Onset of Autumn.
For me, the onset of autumn doesn’t just mean the leaves changing colour. It also means a change of bird species in the area. As I type this it’s been a week since I last saw a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, they’re heading south for the winter. Today I had a Pine Siskin in the yard, normally a winter species for the area.
So rather go with a somewhat predictable photo of leaves I decided to go with a bird species that passes through the area in the spring and autumn. This White-crowned Sparrow is a passage migrant in this part of Ontario. Having bred in the far north it’s now heading south to spend the winter the southern U.S. or Mexico. It has stopped off in the area to feed up for a day or two.
I hope it was too wise to fly into the storm.
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I’m surprised how many birds are heading south at the moment. We’ve still got summer weather, it’s 26°C feeling like 34 with the humidity as I type this late afternoon. At the same time there’s a young American Goldfinch begging adults to be fed so that must have been a very late brood.
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A beautiful, crisp shot of this lovely bird! I love how he is nestled in the leaves, looking so charming, yet tentative and shy ☺️
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I must admit that they’re one of my favourites of the North American Sparrow species.
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Outstanding! I too have come to watch for the change in bird species here as the seasons change. It’s pretty amazing.
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Although autumn doesn’t start for a few days it’s already looking like being a strange one. We’ve got two young American Goldfinch begging adults to be fed which must have been a very late brood. At the same time there’s a Ruffed Grouse coming into the yard and picking up seed from under the feeders. That’s the first time I’ve seen a Ruffed Grouse in the yard, it’s been around for five days now.
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Nice! Wish we had those. here.
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