Copyright Brian Morin
Birdviewing.com
male, adult
Ottawa - This is a known bird, quite used to people, although this was my first visit in a few years. It roosts a short distance from the nest site which the female is currently occupying. When I shot the photo, the bird was cautiously watching a mother raccoon and two kits high in a tree 8 metres away. They had just emerged for a night ramble. After a couple of minutes it launched towards the raccoons and flew right at the mother's head with wings open, likely dragging his claws on her fur as he flew by, it was that close. After a couple of minutes he repeated the attack and five minutes later did it again, each time engaging her head. It was pretty dark at that point so I didn't see the final outcome but the issue is that raccoons are one of the prime predators for Screech Owl nests.

The shots were taken as darkness was setting in so this was at only 1/10 second on tripod using a remote and ISO was up to 3200 (I don't have a mirrorless camera so ISO is an issue). Many of the shots incredibly were in focus and looked not bad. I got lucky.
Apr 24 2022
40
Copyright Krish
Birdviewing.com
Copyright Brian Morin
Birdviewing.com
Apr 18 2022
male, molting, outside normal range
Vankleek Hill - A species that breeds in northern Manitoba, this bird was present in a yard all winter. I failed on two previous attempts to see it so after waiting a couple of hours I was happy to finally spot it. The bird was still moulting but was far along in its progression to breeding plumage. It sang for me for about an hour which in its opening was very similar to an abbreviated White-throated Sparrow song.
Apr 20 2022
38
Copyright Brian Morin
Birdviewing.com
Apr 18 2022
adult
Vankleek Hill - It took me a while to find one this spring. Our numbers are always low.
Apr 19 2022
49
Sep 20 2020
male, adult, summer plummage
The Rain quail normally looks like a Common Quail. During the rainy (which is their breeding) season, they get these distinctive stripes and spend mornings and evenings standing on small rocks, calling to females.
Apr 17 2022
39
First species photo badge
First photo badge
Copyright Brian Morin
Birdviewing.com
Apr 15 2022
male, adult
Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary - I had my first spring warbler singing away. Pines are usually early and can tolerate the cold well as long as they have enough food. When insects are not available they will eat seeds as well as berries.
Apr 16 2022
24
Copyright Brian Morin
Birdviewing.com
male, adult
Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary - Locally uncommon species. I'm hoping the bird finds a mate because the habitat is perfect and there are plenty of existing nest sites on the market. :)
Apr 15 2022
42
Copyright Brian Morin
Birdviewing.com
Dec 27 2020
male, adult
The Amur Falcon is an amazing (crow-sized) bird that travels roughly 22,000 km every year. Starting from the Amur river basin area of Siberia, Mongolia and China, south across the Himalayas, to NE India. Then across the breadth of India, over the Indian Ocean to end at Southern Africa - the Kruger National Park - where they stay until the season changes. They then head back the on the same route. The link (below) shows the path taken by one female that was tagged in "Puching", Manipur, India.
This bird was photographed in Western India, where they pause briefly to eat and ready themselves for the ocean crossing

https://i.imgur.com/auHHx9n.jpg
Apr 12 2022
42
First photo badge
Sep 21 2020
This Cuckoo is so named because of its "in-flight" resemblance to the Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk) which also a common sight in Sub-Urban India
Apr 11 2022
45
First species photo badge
First photo badge