Rondeau Ric

Rondeau Provincial Park, Oct 16, 2022. Bird activity at the yard is slowing down with the cold, wet weather. The numbers of species and individuals is down significantly from a few days ago. Catharus ustulatus Territorial disputes between males often take the form of singing duels, with song volume and frequency escalating until the combatants’ physical exertions are clearly evident. During these contests, rivals very occasionally invert their customary melody so that it spirals downward in pitch. A sing-off can lead to a chase and even occasionally to physical attack. source- allaboutbirds-org

At the water feature in the yard, Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, Sept 8, 2021. We had several of them today. Catharus ustulatus The Swainson’s Thrush’s whirling song has a ventriloqual quality that can make it difficult to track. This may happen as the singer moves quickly from one perch to another between songs. It may also have to do with the sounds’ reverberation in dense foliage. Swainson’s Thrushes also sometimes sing quiet songs that create the illusion that its song emanates from a more distant location. source- Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, May 7, 2021. On one of the trails in Rondeau. Catharus ustulatus In New England spruce-fir forests, the nests of Swainson’s Thrushes are often lined with root-like cords of horsehair fungus. The fungal filaments can have antibiotic effects and may help deter nest pathogens. Source -Cornell Lab of Ornithology- All About Birds

Sept 10, 2020, Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Always a pleasure to see one of these thrushes in the pond. Catharus ustulatus In New England spruce-fir forests, the nests of Swainson’s Thrushes are often lined with root-like cords of horsehair fungus. The fungal filaments can have antibiotic effects and may help deter nest pathogens. source - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Thrush

Swainson's Thrush, Oct 14, 2019, Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Catharus ustulatus Territorial disputes between males often take the form of singing duels, with song volume and frequency escalating until the combatants’ physical exertions are clearly evident. During these contests, rivals very occasionally invert their customary melody so that it spirals downward in pitch. A sing-off can lead to a chase and even occasionally to physical attack

Smorgasbord , a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr. If you look closely you will see that the rocks have a nice selection of insects for this thrush to snack on. This is the little streamlet connected to the small pond in the yard. I rewally like the look of the water around the birds feet. Swainson's Thrush - Catharus ustulatus