Who goes there?

On a trek down to the trailcams, I spotted two Swainson's Thrush. I only managed to capture video of the one. They aren't singing the way they did in spring.

They will soon migrate. The bug eaters leave us as the bugs disappear. They eat berries and bugs, both of which are fast disappearing.


One landed on the water fountain, once-upon-a-time.

We've got hermit thrushes, as well.

We've still got robins. They may or may not migrate. One year we had a baker's dozen overwinter. It depends upon the severity of the winter.

About 20 seconds in, she hears something and momma stand up to see. It was so funny. You can see the eyes in the background. This is why they survive with coyotes in the forest. Their major threat is truly cars. They move across the highway in our large habitat.

Saturday's Critters # 305

Odds and sods

Pouring rain on Wednesday/Thursday overnight, 42 mm (1.7"). I'm happy for it. I can't complain. It could be snow, like Manitoba, still recovering from a massive snow storm. Power outages, trees down, First Nations evacuated. More than 6000 still without power, with another two weeks of work to do.

Thousands still without power after snow storm hammers Manitoba https://t.co/NCpcVDkexJ pic.twitter.com/WsO9c1hRoJ

— CTV News (@CTVNews) October 13, 2019

I did my usual morning workout, went to fetch trailcam CD cards, did some chores and it was time for a shower. I wondered about getting back into jammies and a housecoat, but resisted the lure. It is still raining! This storm is moving counter clockwise.

JB's been doing some clean outs. Our son-in-law brought some of the boxes of papers upstairs for us. After some research, we'll take them in to Staples to be destroyed.

Somebody brought me home pizza for lunch. The leftover turkey is starting to wear thin figuratively, if not literally. It's been yummy!



Annabelle went back to bed with her buddy. It was a good move.


Hooper sat in his house.

You'll forgive me, but I put up the Christmas lights. It was nice weather, and the job is done!



I gathered leaves during my regular forest walk. I glued them onto a piece of paper.


It's too big to scan, but I took a photo and changed the background.



On my walk, what is, I think, a Swainson's Thrush. They will be gone soon. Migrating to better climes.

The water fountain

With the dry July, and now a dry August, the birds have been using the fountain for bathing. It is delightful to watch them! (The fountain was a surprise gift to hubby.)


I think I jinxed it! We've had rain!!!! I wrote this a few days ago. The rain is such a relief.

With the drought, they sure like the fountain. The bird bath, at the front of the house, has been getting some action, too. I was going to shut it down for a bit. Suddenly, there are frequent flyers!

Swainson's Thrush

blue jay

We watch from the front window. At the end of the video, the danged blue jay went after the baby robin. The parents flew after.
blue jay from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.



We have a 3rd brood from the robins. It was so funny. Almost like they had to convince the young 'un to have a bath!
robin family from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

goldfinch from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo. Swainson's Thrush