Spotted Sandpiper (Chevalier grivelé)

     Yesterday Miriam and I had a chance to get out and do a little birding together on a pleasant sunny day. As might be expected many species are now feeding young, some have already fledged, and certain species are involved with second broods.
     We were very happy to see a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia with young. This species is the New World equivalent of the Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos of Europe and Asia, but the species on this side of the Atlantic is polyandrous, and it is the male who incubates the eggs and raises the young.
     He was doing a great job and became quite agitated when we, or a Canada Goose Branta canadensis for that matter, got anywhere close to the young. 

     We were unable to photograph the young birds as they stayed mainly in clumps of thick vegetation, becoming visible for only the briefest of intervals. The adult, however, was very obliging and we were able to get several pictures.

     Just as we were about to leave the area this fine Widow Skimmer Libellula luctuosa landed right in front of us.

     Numerous patches of Oxeye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum were especially beautiful and seemed to attract many Cabbage White sp. butterflies, but none perched long enough to pose for a picture. The flowers were reward enough, however.

     Moving on to LaSalle Park we were again treated to a close encounter with a Spotted Sandpiper. We saw a huge dead fish at the water's edge and it provided a convenient platform for the Spotted Sandpiper, and doubtless food too.

     We did not see any young birds at this location but the great views of the adult provided ample satisfaction.

     Elde Trees Sambucus sp. are now in full bloom and I think we need to pick some flowers soon for our annual maple syrup treat.

     Numerous Mallards Anas platyrynchos were seen with babies and these two seemed quite happy to relax in the sun.

     Their mother and siblings were not far away.

     Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus is a great favourite with people, especially children, and many leave little piles of sunflower seeds for them to eat. This individual seems to have already filled his cheek pouches and will no doubt be back for more when he has added what he already has to his storage chamber.

     A great deal of my time recently has been devoted to the Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus and I am truly happy to have played a part in their success, but it was really enjoyable to get out again with Miriam and enjoy some of the other delights that are all around us.