This is the
VOICE OF SUNNYHILL
Text and photo by Scottie Potter
Is this bird OK?
Yes! This magpie is a fledgling, meaning it has just left the nest and is learning how to fly. While fledgling songbirds look a bit scruffy and awkward attempting their first flights, they are doing just fine and just need space to practice. Their parents will continue to feed them until their flight skills improve and they can find their own food.
Words and photo by Scottie Potter
Canada Goslings!
Canada geese are some of the most resilient nesters around! Not only are goose parents famously protective of their nests, but newly hatched goslings can fall over 2 stories without injury. Goose parents are also willing to "adopt" the young of unrelated geese, hence why you might see goslings of different ages following the same parents.
Submitted by Scottie Potter
Nesting Magpies
Black billed magpie nests may look a bit messy, but they’re actually carefully constructed, and can take up to seven weeks to complete. Both partners tend to the nest, with the female focusing on the internal structure while the male builds a large domed roof to protect against birds-of-prey. These nests are deceptively sturdy too, and are often used year after year.
by Scottie Potter
The Great Backyard Bird Count February 16-19, 2024
Take part in this annual global event by taking 15 minutes each day to record the species and number of birds you see around you. Submitting them online through the eBird app helps scientists better understand and protect birds!
Muskrats: Wetland Gardeners
Missing the colour green this time of year? Visit the lagoon on Prince’s Island Park and you may see a muskrat munching on vibrant water plants they dredge up from the pond bottom.
These large members of the vole family are an important part of wetland communities, as their selective feeding fosters a wider diversity of plants, in turn attracting birds and insects.
