TWO MORE FOR THE LIFE LIST

A "Life List" is something most birders have, a list of all the birds they have seen in their lifetime. Rob and I have talked about doing one for years, but still haven't gotten around to actually doing it. I imagine we're well into the hundreds now, of the various species of birds we've seen.

When I go birding it's more about what the day will bring, what we'll see, and not if I get to add a bird to a list, but still, there is always something special about those "firsts", like the first time a chickadee landed in my hand for seed, or last year off the coast of Nova Scotia when there were Puffins, that I was seeing for the first time, flying all around the boat I was on, those are magical moments.

I had another of those moments last Saturday, April 24th, 2010, when walking around a park just outside of Oshawa I happened to look up into a tall pine tree and see for the first time a Great Horned Owl peacefully sleeping the day away. It was a "Oh my God" moment as I stared in awe at this majestic creature.

On the same day, in the same park, we also ran into a friendly birder who pointed out to us a Winter Wren. We had never seen one before and were delighted when the Wren came out in clear view and sang us a song like he was waiting for an audience.

We never know what we're going to see when we head out on our birding trips but we're never disappointed.

A Winter Wren entertaining us with a song.

BIRDS IN THE CITY

A male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Yes, they do exist!

I work across from Queens Park, right in the heart of Toronto, not really a place one would expect to come across a variety of birds. But after hearing about a few sightings, and finding out that a lot of migratory birds pass through in April and May, I decided to go have a look.

I spent my lunch break there yesterday and probably will now every nice day until the end of May, I was amazed at the variety of birds hanging about. Some of them will stay until fall, and others are just stopping in for a rest on their way further north.

All pictures in this blog post are of birds I saw yesterday and images are from Google images. If you live in downtown Toronto why not head over to Queens Park and see what you can spot!


A Chipping Sparrow, they have a beautiful song and spend a lot of time on the ground.


A Ruby-crowned Kinglet. They will head further north for the summer.


A Northern Flicker. They love to eat ants!


A Golden-crowned Kinglet. Like the Ruby-crowned, they are just having a rest here before heading further north.

SPRING FEVER

A chickadee feeds from my hand at the Humber Arboretum this past Saturday.

Spring is the best time of year for us "bird nerds". Around the middle of April the migratory birds start to return, some species stay, nest and raise their families and others just stop in to feed and rest before moving on further north to do the same.

Last weekend Rob and I were up and out of the house early to visit a few parks to see what we could see. The middle of April until about the end of May is the best time for birding. The trees aren't in full bloom yet, making it easier to see and the mosquitoes aren't out yet, making it more enjoyable for us humans.

Our first stop on Saturday was "Riverwood Conservancy" in Mississauga. We visit this park throughout the year, and it is one of our favorites. We take part in the bird watching walks a few times a year, and also plan on getting more involved with the park as members and volunteers.

A male Brown-headed Cowbird, one of the many birds back for the summer.

After a nice two hour walk, with many bird sightings we decided we needed to "refuel" before going to our next location. We enjoyed brunch at Cora's before heading to the "Humber Arboretum".

It was my first time there, Rob's second. It is beautiful! I highly recommend a trip there whether you're into birding or not. We roamed the grounds for another two hours and were delighted to see a few Northern Flickers and White-throated Sparrows, along with many other different types of birds.

This groundhog greeted us as we entered the Humber Arboretum.

Our first bird sighting at the Humber Arboretum, a Northern Mockingbird.

Having a half dozen or so Chickadees land in our hands to feed was how we ended our bird outing on Saturday, the perfect way to end the day!

Sunday we decided to visit a park closer to home that we enjoy, "High Park". We got there nice and early before it got too busy.

We were happy to see that the female Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived to nest with the males. The males arrive a few weeks earlier to establish nesting territory.


Female Red-winged Blackbird at High Park.

You couldn't help but notice the forest of beautiful Cherry trees in High Park. They were getting lots of attention.


Cherry trees at High Park.

The highlight of our outing on Sunday was seeing a pair of Wood Ducks. More timid then Mallards, we were thrilled when we were able to feed them some duck food that they even got out of the water for. We fed and watched them for quite a while before their beauty started to attract some attention from others. Not one for crowds, they gracefully swam away to the middle of the lake to meet another pair.



Male Wood Duck at High Park

GREASE is the word.

I still remember the excitement that summer day back in 1978 when my mother took 9 year old me, and few of the other kids from the street to see "Grease", and so began my love affair with this movie.

As a nine year old, most of the movie and all the sexual references went right over my head, but I loved the songs, the dancing, and of course hoping for a happy ending for all!

I remember my friend getting a pair of "Bad Sandy" shoes, as Grease started a whole fashion trend...me, I think it's when I first wanted a leather jacket! My favorite character was Rizzo, and I've followed Stockard Channing's career since.

I got the double album for Christmas that year, and have since replaced it with a cd, and I also own the dvd. I've seen this movie countless times and know the words to all the songs performed by the cast.

I've seen the play performed by a couple different production companies, most recently this past Friday night at the Canon theatre. The play is a little different then the movie, and every company puts their own spin on it.

I enjoyed it very much, even if the movie was playing in the back of my mind the whole time. I wouldn't be surprised if I watch the movie again soon.

American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks played the role of "Teen Angel" and did a good job in his role, though there was too much mention of AI for me. I was there because I loved the movie and would of went regardless if Taylor was in it or not.

EASTER WEEKEND

My long Easter weekend started on Wednesday at noon, as my Mother was flying in that afternoon. She was on her way home to Nova Scotia after spending a week visiting my brother and his family in Alberta. She stopped in Toronto to spend five days, four nights with Rob and I on her way back home.

Good Friday had us going over to spend time with Rob's best friend, Chris and some of his family for fish & chips. We've been going over on Good Friday for about five years now and always look forward to it. Always a huge feast and a lot of laughs.

Marilyn and I enjoying a jello shooter, it's a Good Friday tradition now!

Saturday we had our Easter dinner with Rob's parents and his younger brother Mark. We decided to have an afternoon BBQ instead of the big traditional feast because the weather was so nice. So, it was bbq'd steaks, potato salad, oven-roasted asparagus and garden salad for us this year instead of turkey and all the fixins. No complaints though, it was a great afternoon to be outside.

Saturday evening, Mom, Rob and I watched a movie, "Old Dogs", starring John Travolta and Robin Williams, something light and funny to end the day.

Sunday morning we woke up to discover the Easter Bunny had found us all!


Meadow checking out what the Easter Bunny left for us.

I made a big Easter lunch of baked ham, scalloped potatoes and steamed green beans, as Mom's flight was leaving later in the afternoon and she wouldn't be with us for dinner.


Mom and I enjoying the Sunday afternoon sun before heading to the airport.

All in all it was a great extra long weekend for me, the weather was great, we had loads of fun, and having my Mother here made it extra special!

DOWNTOWN WEEKEND

Rob and I rarely go downtown together, so this weekend was not like one before, as we ended up in central Toronto on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday had us in my old stomping grounds around Bloor and Yonge to take in an afternoon showing of "The Runaways" at the Varsity theatre. We were joined by a few friends, Teena, Brian and Amanda. Rob and I are both fans of Joan Jett and Lita Ford, who were members of The Runaways, though the movie focuses more on the relationship between Joan and Cherie Currie, the lead singer. I enjoyed the movie, but was disappointed that a lot of stuff was left out, but that could be because I idolize Joan, and this was about the band, not just Joan. This movie is a must for any rock and roll fan, and I will definitely be adding it to my movie collection when it's available.

The Runaways Movie Poster

I thought both Kristen Stewart, who portrayed Joan, and Dakota Fanning who played Cherie did amazing jobs, especially Kristen, who had Joan's movements and attitude nailed. Though both of these girls are tied up in the "Twilight" pandemonium, I think they both have long and great acting careers ahead.

After the movie we headed over to a favorite Japanese restaurant in the area, "Yamato". It's one of those places where teppanyaki is the specialty and the masterful cooks prepare a feast right before your eyes. Rob and Teena had never been to a restaurant like this before and I was very proud of Rob for trying a piece of my sushi pizza! He's not one for trying new foods, so this was a huge deal, he even ate the roe! Way to go Rob!

L-R: Rob, Angie, Teena, Brian and Amanda

Salmon Sushi Pizza

Sunday had us out of the house and heading downtown early to check out a new park we had just heard about, "The Brick Works". This place is so much more then a park, and we will be following its development now that we know about it.


The Brick Works

The main reason we headed here was because we heard of sightings of a bird that we had never seen before, a "Belted Kingfisher". We were both pleasantly surprised with the beautiful surroundings just east of the downtown core. It was a beautiful place to spend the morning listening to the sounds of the returning Red-winged Blackbirds that were everywhere. We were also treated to a fly-by of a Red-tailed Hawk, but the highlight of the day was seeing a new bird for the first time, the Belted Kingfisher, we were lucky enough to see a pair, who seem to nest on the cliffs at the back of the park.


Rob took this picture of a male Red-winged Blackbird at the Brick Works.


A female Belted Kingfisher.
Photo compliments of Google, as we spent most of our time looking at them through binoculars, unable to get a great shot like this.

After our outing we headed back to our part of the city for brunch at Dr. Generosity's before running a few errands and then going home to get ready for the work week ahead. It was a busy but fun filled weekend for us.

FEBRUARY IN REVIEW

Me and my friend Jenn enjoying the big hockey game of 2010.

February wasn't a great month for me and I was glad to turn the calendar page this morning. There were a few great moments though, so instead of talking about what was wrong, I'm going to give you my top 3 highlights of the month.

3. Discovering some cool and funky looking ducks. Before last winter, Rob and I didn't pay much attention to water birds, but on February 14th, 2009, while we were enjoying lunch at Snug Harbour, we spotted out the window of the restaurant the cutest little black and white duck! Turns out he was a Bufflehead, and a joy to watch. We went back this year to see them again and this past February we also were rewarded with some new "first" sightings of some other species of water birds.
A pair of Red Breasted Mergansers.

2. Seeing the rock band "Airbourne". I am stuck in the 80's when it comes to my music of choice, it's the music of my youth and I still listen to it almost as much now as I did then. But back in 2008 I heard this "new band", Airbourne, and was instantly hooked. We had tickets to see them last year at a bar, but Rob was sick and we didn't go. When I found out they were opening for Motley Crue on February 4th, I knew I was going. I went with my friend Brian, and as always when we go to a concert together we had a blast. We had "pitt passes" so were really close to the stage. By the time Airbourne ended their too short set my throat was already sore from screaming and my hands sore from clapping. I am going to enjoy seeing how big this young band from Australia gets. I haven't been this excited about a band since 1987 when I heard Guns and Roses for the first time.

Airbourne's debut album cover.

1. My number one moment of the last month? Watching Canada beat the USA for the Gold Medal in Olympic hockey. I got into the Olympics more then I expected, but this hockey game was the cherry on top of the already great sundae. It's not too often you know what all your friends and family are doing at the same time, but yesterday I knew, as it felt like the whole country was watching the game. There was a connection across the whole country while the Olympics were on, but yesterday you could feel it in the air, and when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime my heart swelled with Canadian pride, so much so that I had to go out on the porch and scream with joy to release it. February may not of started off very well for me, but it ended on a highlight, a day the whole country, from coast to coast was connected to watch an amazing hockey game, and a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Sidney Crosby reacts after scoring the winning goal!

NESTING AKA HOUSEWORK

Doesn't "nesting" sound so much nicer then housework? That's what I was doing today, nesting.

I've been sick the last three weeks with a bad sinus infection and was off work for nine days. It took the sinus infection getting worse before it got better and a couple different prescriptions to finally take care of it.

Feeling like your head is going to explode and being dizzy and light-headed isn't a very motivating combination, so I spent most of my time off on the couch napping and watching TV.

The house has been neglected since I've been sick, so it was actually nice to have the energy to do some cleaning around here today before heading back to work tomorrow.

I did the usual, dusting,laundry, etc. I also tackled my kitchen cupboards as the state of them as been bothering me for a while. This morning I took the time to take everything out, wipe them down, sort and throw stuff out, and then organize the rest.

I was very happy with my end result and feel like I'm getting a head start on my spring cleaning!

SIX YEARS OF TOGETHERNESS

Taken just after midnight Jan. 1st, 2010.

This past weekend saw Rob and I celebrating 6 years of being together. We met for a coffee six years ago today. One coffee at Timothy's on the corner of Charles and Bay, and we've been together ever since.

We spent the weekend doing something we came to love together, birding. Saturday we went to two different areas, Palgrave Conservation Area and Albion Hills, where we saw many chickadees, red breasted nuthatches and the surprise of the day, a wild turkey!


Rob caught this shot of a Female Wild Turkey running away from us.

Today we went to a park closer to home, Jame's Gardens and had an enjoyable time watching the many woodpeckers in Lambton Woods, including a Red Bellied Woodpecker. We saw three Brown Creepers and quite a few White Breasted Nuthatches, which was special as we don't see them often.


Rob took this great shot of the Brown Creeper.

After birding today we went for a hot chocolate at Delight which was picked as one of the top ten places to go for hot chocolate in Toronto from blogTO. We had the "spicy", and it was delicious, and just what we needed to warm us up. We also bought a few truffles to enjoy tonight.

Spending time with the one I love, doing stuff we love, doesn't get better then that!

NEW YEARS DAY 2010

It's become a New Years Day tradition for us to go birding, if the weather cooperates, and thankfully this year it did.

In the early morning hours, while a lot of people were still in bed recovering from the previous nights festivities, Rob and I were walking around Cranberry Marsh near Whitby, Ontario enjoying our feathered friends.

We saw many species of birds that day; Cardinals, Downy Woodpeckers, a Brown Creeper, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, White Breasted Nuthatches, different types of Sparrows, Gold Finches, and of course, the very friendly Chickadees.

I've posted a few of our favorite pictures from our outing for you to enjoy. It was a wonderful way for us to start the new year!



Double Trouble, two chickadees enjoy the seed from my hand.


You can see here how "friendly" the little guys are! This is a shot of one of my hands and one of Rob's, and the Chickadees were constant visitors for seed.


We got the idea to put seed on our hats from another birder, and as you can see, it worked!


We thought the colour contrast between the dogwood bush and the pine trees was beautiful.


A White Breasted Nuthatch enjoys seed from Rob's hand.


I love the feeling of having this little guy land in my hand for seed.


Rob took this beautiful shot of the Chickadee in the pine tree.


A Blue Jay joins us for a peanut.

2009 REVIEW

2009 wasn't a great year for me, lots of stress due to house and health issues, and I, for one, am really looking forward to starting a new year tomorrow.

When I think of highlights, I think of going out on a boat tour with my Mother to see the Puffins off the coast of Nova Scotia. It may not seem like much of a highlight, but to me, to see the Puffins was an amazing experience, and I will never forget it.

My Mother came back to Toronto with me on the train to be here to celebrate my 40th birthday, and that is a highlight as well.



In July I got to help a friend meet one of his idols, Phil Collen of Def Leppard. I know what it's like to meet one of your rock n roll idols, and to be there to see Brian meet one of his was as much fun for me as him. Highlight definitely.



The health issue was a breast cancer scare, and scare me it did. I was one of the lucky ones, I didn't have it. The not knowing for the 6 weeks it took to find out were the longest of my life. I am truly grateful my news was positive.

Rob and I had a hard time house wise this year, the basement flooding in the summer numerous times was difficult on us, lots of stress. Then the stress of getting it fixed, and the financial difficulty caused even more stress, it was the summer of stress.

But one good thing about all the stressful times we went through this year, is that we learned we could really lean on each other in difficult times and pick each other up mentally. We learned to be a team this year more then any other, and knowing I have a real partner is a great feeling going into a new year.

I have loads to look forward to and work towards next year, and I'm really looking forward to 2010.

COUNTING COINS PAYS OFF

Last January 1st we started using a "counting coin jar". The idea for this jar was to save for something that we would like, but didn't necessarily need.

We didn't need a new TV, but we both wanted a new flat screen, so for close to a year we saved our loonies, toonies and quarters. We wrapped the coins this week, and had just over $700, enough to purchase a lovely Samsung 32 inch flat screen (perfect for our small living room) and get us hooked up with digital HD cable. Merry Christmas to us!!



We'll start using the jar again Jan. 1st. Next on the list, a new laptop computer.

CHRISTKINDL MARKET

Yesterday, Rob and I drove over to Kitchener for our first visit to the 13th annual "Christkindl Market", a four day festival of a German Christmas.

It was lovely. There were choirs singing Christmas carols, a live nativity scene, and lots of food and craft vendors. For lunch we had bbq'ed sausage on a bun with sauerkraut, and also some potato pancakes with applesauce.

We stocked up at the bakery buying lots of German Christmas cookies and stollen. We purchased a few other treasures, but our purchase of the day was definitely the authentic, handmade in Germany, Christmas Pyramid.

It is gorgeous, and we loved it on sight, as it is more a winter scene then Christmas, with lots of furry and feathered creatures. The attention to detail is amazing, and every time I look at it, I notice something else.

Why all the bother about German Christmas stuff? Rob's father immigrated to Canada when he was a young man, so this is part of Rob's heritage. I think it's important to keep your heritage and traditions in your life, especially at this time of year.

The pyramid we purchased together yesterday will become a treasured part of our Christmas's together, as will an annual trip to the Christkindl Market.