Down by the River

On Sunday, the two oldest were invited to friend's houses between church services and Justin settled for the consolation of going for a walk with Dad to try and see the Bald Eagles on the Grand River in Brantford. I hadn't been there since March either not having time, other locations pulling me, or the weather not cooperating. I didn't see the Eagles this time.  Apparently one has prematurely fallen out of the nest - wonder how it has fared.

Bank Swallow

But we did enjoy walking along the river's edge, Justin looking for frogs and me enjoying watching the swallows swiftly darting just above the water with deft maneouvres to catch insects in the air.  Amid the Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows were some Northern Rough-winged Swallows (life bird #87).  They are mostly light brown, with a light, pale underbelly.  Their name comes from a rough barb-like feathers on the leading edge of their wings.  It's not known what they are for, but thought possibly to assist them in producing sounds during mating - the males roughness is more pronounced.  They live in small colonies in river banks.


UPDATE: Thanks to Caleb S for pointing out that my identification of the swallows is likely wrong and probably Bank Swallows, not the Northern Rough-winged Swallows as I thought.  The two birds are quite similar, and pictures I had seen weren't terribly clear.  But by looking around a little more and at other photos I had but didn't post I think he's right. So my tags and picture labels and list have been updated (life list on Tuesday as it's at work). Consolation is that it is still a lifer.

Bank Swallow

Justin suddenly got enthusiastic about finding things on his own and spotted two of these butterflies.  He was quite proud of himself when I commended him on his good eye!

Cabbage White Butterly

Delaware Skipper Butterfly

The bright-eyed little guy.

Red Admiral Butterfly