A Ross's Goose and Some Blackbirds! 

Every once in awhile a rarity shows up locally! A female Ross's Goose is peeking up between 2 Canada Geese in the middle of a soccer field. In the fall, they migrate through Manitoba and Saskatchewan, usually staying west of the Great Lakes.

The Ross's Goose is smaller than a Snow Goose. They also have a shorter neck and stubbier bill. A Ross' Goose can often be picked out of a large flock of Snow Geese by its immaculate white head. Snow Geese tend to have yellow staining on their heads because they root deeply for tubers in marshes. Ross's Geese tend to forage more on plants at the surface of marshes.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rosss_Goose/overview

Red-winged Blackbird, female

During the winter months, Red-winged Blackbirds have been known to congregate with up to a million birds including other blackbird species and starlings. Each morning the roosts spread out, traveling as far as 50 miles to feed, then re-forming at night.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/overview

Seven Rusty Blackbirds were found with the flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. In winter, male Rusty Blackbirds are recognized by their rusty feather edges, pale yellow eye and buffy eyebrow. They are slightly larger than Red-winged Blackbirds.

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

Rusty Blackbirds are one of North America's most rapidly declining species. The population has plunged an estimated 85-90% over the past forty years and scientists are completely puzzled as to the cause of the population decline.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rusty_Blackbird/overview

A hungry Blue Jay at Pinery Provincial Park!

Our backyard heated bird bath has attracted a number of visitors during the recent cold snap!