Blomme

Spring brings back the birds

I was in the Coniston LCBO the other day and struck a conversation with a resident of that fine area.

The latter portion of February and early March can be turbulent times, particularly with the likes of the snow storm we just experienced. Feeders become particularly important.

I was sitting at lunch the other day when a prominent local astronomer mentioned he had seen a large flock of dark, almost black birds descend on a tree in front of someone’s yard in his neighbourhood.

It is 7:30 a.m., and the temperature reads 0 C. Not too bad. I have to get into the car and make a quick bypass drive to Chelmsford then east to Azilda. I am getting into position for my responsibility.

I got a call one evening and was asked a question about a large bird that had soared over the caller’s car locally, very locally. Surprised, he knew what he was looking at and hopefully not too distracted, was able to identify it to his satisfaction.

Mark has returned from a well-deserved two-week vacation at the camp. When he arrives at the house, he comes across a mystery that initially defies comprehension.

“Oh that noise! It never seems to let up. I swear it starts as soon as the sun rises. What time is it? 6 a.m.!” The yard is majestic and one situated in the older properties in Greater Sudbury.

There are copious amounts of sand along both sides of the bridge. It was dumped over the rock fill years ago to level off and fill out the gaps that formed when the new cement culvert was put in place.

Flap, flap, flap, glide. Flap, flap, flap, glide. I watch as it skims along the surface of Ramsey Lake. The bird is low to the water and level as it is making its way to the islands near the middle of the lake.