[Tammie]

Hi KC,
To answer your question in the gallery, I haven't heard anything about West Nile Virus hitting up here. In southern Ontario, yes but not this far north that I'm aware of. Does anyone know of a site I could check out to get information about this? I've often wondered about it up here myself as this year, I've yet to see a single blue jay and even grackle numbers seem to be really low (which normally wouldn't bother me but it's a drastic difference!)

Anyone else seeing anything really noticable about this?

[KCFoggin]

I haven't taken a look at what Malky has posted yet. (He's becoming a great researcher for questions here) :). In addition, I guess I would suggest you contact your health dept or equivalent and they would certainly know whether it is there or not. Do you have something similar to our CDC here in the States? "Communicable disease center"

[Tammie]

Malky, thanks a million for those links. I've saved them for future inspection but according to one map, West Nile apparently has been recorded in most of Ontario! I didn't realise that! I'll be checking into these sites more, that's for sure. Thanks again.

[Michael Frankis]

Interesting to note that Britain's native birds almost all carry antibodies to it, so it is also present throughout Britain too. But prevalence is very low, as our species have evolved with it and resist it very well.

I'd guess within a few generations of birds, say 10-20 years, most American birds will evolve to resist it too, and the number of recorded cases will drop off.

Michael

[steve_nova]

That at least is positive.

[Walther Loff]

Hi Tammie:
Here out north western canada, the west nile virus has been reported in minute cases, however we are not free of this problem.
Today I had my first hummingbird at our feeder at the lake cottage, also some of the small song birds are making there appearance as well, we have lots of cow birds this season. I am getting ready to take pictures, but them little birds are fast and gone before I can react.
Last week I took some nice pictures of geese/goose & goslings, also a pair of young american wiggeons which I will post when I get back in the city.
I took today some photos of a small yellow bodied with black and white striped tail feathers which I have to identify.
There is so much yard work to be done here...
take care and say hi to that great hubby of yours..
regards.

Keep the skeeters away from ya :-)

Walther.
www.walther-loff.com

[Walther Loff]

Hi Tammie:
my first pileated wood pecker in the trees at the cottage this late afternoon, was not prepared and it took off again.. this one has been seen here in my street 3 years now...
cheers
walther.
p.s. I just got confirmation of shipping today of my new 6Xtelephoto lens for the nikon CP 28mm cameras from Keene in the UK, they sell in the US for $329.00 US$ and I got it from the UK for 78 Pounds = Can$179.00.... my scottish blood is showing big time :-) hope this will breach the gap between the 2X lens I have and the spotting scope at 20X/60X
the lens is called "KDT60" at www.keene.co.uk.com

[Tammie]

Hi Walther!

Sounds like you're having great luck with the birds this year. I'm not having nearly the trouble with grackles and blackbirds this year that I normally do. No blue jays in the yard either but my hubby says he sees tons of them at work so I'm not concerned... they're just not in the yard. I still have all kinds of evening grosbeaks... they've definitely adopted my yard! :)
Too bad you didn't get a shot of that pileated! Hopefully you'll get another chance soon. They sure are something to see! I haven't seen 'my pair' lately.
I know what you mean about the yard work too. I just got my veggies planted this week along with all the flowers. Busiest time of year.... I love it!
Have fun with your hummer and I hope you get more. Enjoy your new lens... I look forward to your pictures!