Purple Finch (male) – Karl Egressy
On February 23, there was a pair of Long-tailed Ducks actively diving in the open lead below the Ptbo. Zoo “Pumphouse dam”, viewed from Meadowvale Pk. on the east side of the Otonabee, opposite TASS School. Nearby, a backyard chipmunk took a peak outside today. Also near TASSS, a male Northern Flicker has been coming to my backyard suet since Feb. 1 and two female Purple Finches visited last week. On clear days, crows have been chasing one or two Red-tailed Hawks that attempt a mid-day soar. I haven’t seen any small wintering flocks of Cedar Waxwings since the month began. A Sharp-shinned Hawk took a House Finch in my yard last week. Starlings are wandering more widely and even investigating nest holes.
European Starling in winter plumage (white spots)
Sean Smith, Ashdale Crescent
