Cedar Waxwings in February:

Despite the dark skies and snow flurries, the yellow on this pair of Cedar Waxwings appears to glow. Although the Multifora Rose is invasive, the waxwings enjoyed feasting on the Rose Hips.

Today we returned to see the waxwings eating Highbush Cranberries. This berry is often a last resort for birds as they have a sour taste. I recall many years ago stringing popcorn and Highbush cranberries. It wasn't long before an unpleasant odour filled the room and I learned to never do that again!

The Common Goldeneye on the right, is performing a courtship display. In winter and early spring, male Common Goldeneyes perform a complex series of courtship displays that includes up to 14 moves with names like "masthead", "bowsprit" and "head throw kick" in which the male bends his head back to touch his rump, then thrusts forward and kicks up water with his feet. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds). I guess he was practicing for the next time they meet up with the ladies!

There were at least a dozen Great Black-backed Gulls near the grain elevators.

At the end of January, I found an Iceland Gull (Thayers subspecies).The bird above is also a young Iceland Gull (Kumlieni subspecies). The Iceland Gull has been a headache for taxonomists. It is divided into 3 subspecies. The main difference between the Kumlien's and Thayer's subspecies lies in how dark the wingtips are in the adults. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)

An individual Ruddy Duck had been reported down river and when we went looking, we managed to find two! I wonder if they are a mated pair?  Ruddy Ducks get harassed by both Horned and Pied-billed Grebes during nesting time. The grebes sometimes attack Ruddy Ducks from below the water, a behaviour known as "submarining"! (Cornel Lab, All About Birds)

Looking towards Lake Huron from Canatara Beach - No Birds visible out there!!

Happy Valentine's Day! Cupid decorated a few of the Canatara Trails on Friday.