Birds are on the Move!

Another good sign of the approaching spring is the return of Turkey Vultures. We have been seeing the odd one in the past week, but I saw 11 yesterday passing over Canatara Park! Turkey Vultures are large, dark birds with long, broad wings. They are bigger than other raptors, except for eagles and condors. They have long "fingers" at their wingtips and tails that extend past their toes in flight. 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Turkey_Vulture/id

I was in the right place at the right time when this Red-shouldered Hawk flew overhead. From our backyard vantage point, Deryl saw a total of 5 Red-shouldered hawks soaring past our house yesterday! They are noticeably smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk, but larger than a Broad-winged Hawk. They hunt small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, either from perches or while flying. 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/id

American Robins are gathering in larger numbers as they take breaks during migration.

Staghorn Sumac fruit provides a source of food for Robins in late winter.

I even encountered a few American Crows munching on the fruit.

I believe this Hermit Thrush has spent the winter in Canatara Park. We don't see it often, but have found it periodically since December. It currently likes to hang out with the Robins.

Horned Lark with attitude! Deryl found a cooperative Horned Lark on a drive through Lambton County. They are social birds, sometimes found in huge flocks outside the breeding season. They creep along bare ground searching for small seeds and insects. They often mix with other open-country species in winter flocks, including Longspurs and Snow Buntings.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Horned_Lark/id