After the Storm!

Everything needs to eat and it can be especially difficult to find food after a snow storm. An American Goldfinch found food well above the snow line in a Sycamore Tree. Sycamore fruits are "firm ball-like groups" of many hairy seeds. Juncos, Chickadees, and Squirrels also eat this fruit. When the fruit balls fall to the ground, Beaver and Muskrat will use them as a source of food. 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/sycamore

The camouflaged bark of the Sycamore Tree makes it easy to identify this species!

By carefully checking snow covered bushes, many birds, including these Mourning Doves, can be found taking shelter. (Dove photos by Deryl.)

A Carolina Wren peaks out from its hiding spot.

Seeds have been left for the birds along one of the trails in Canatara Park. A hungry Carolina Wren spent time at one of the feeding stations.

A White-breasted Nuthatch caches a seed by wedging it into tree bark. I often witness this species stealing seed from other birds. But the tables were turned this time! ....

While looking through my view finder at the Nuthatch, a new thief moved in! A male Red-bellied Woodpecker flushed the Nuthatch away and proceeded to eat the Nuthatch's seed!