Lumora Lens

Great Cormorant

Fun Fact:
Great Cormorants often spread their wings like this because their feathers are not fully waterproof. Drying them after fishing helps the birds stay warm and fly more efficiently, this distinctive pose is one of their most recognizable behaviors.

Lake

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) - Male

"When woodpeckers go polka-dot 🪶❤️"

This eye-catching bird is a male Northern Flicker, a member of the woodpecker family — but with a style all its own.

🎯 Instead of drilling trees all day, flickers often forage on the ground for ants and beetles, using that long tongue like a dart.
And just look at those spotty feathers and red moustache — fashion-forward and fierce!

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) — Male
Lake
25 OCT 2025

"A flash of fire on a coal-black wing 🔥"
This is a young male Red-winged Blackbird, just starting to show his signature shoulder blaze.

These birds are known for their piercing calls and dramatic wing flashes as they guard their marsh territories in spring. Even in fall, they remain striking — especially when that red patch catches the light.

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Melanistic morph)

"Shadow of the trees, heart of a squirrel 🖤🌰"

This beautiful black squirrel is a melanistic form of the Eastern Gray Squirrel, common in parts of Canada.

While most of their cousins wear gray or rusty brown coats, these rare dark ones blend beautifully into winter woods — and are just as curious and clever!

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Lake
25 OCT 2025

"Wearing a crown, but totally down-to-earth 👑🐦"
Say hello to the White-crowned Sparrow — one of the most striking and regal-looking sparrows in the backyard bird world.

Their black-and-white crown gives them away instantly, and that warm orange bill? A perfect pop of color for fall.

🎶 And yes — they sing beautifully, with a sweet, whistling tune that varies by region like bird dialects!

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) — Female
Lake
25 OCT 2025

"Tiny drummer of the forest!"
Meet the Downy Woodpecker — North America’s smallest and most charming woodpecker.

Often seen tapping away on tree trunks and branches, Downys have a short, stubby bill and a crisp black-and-white pattern. Females, like this one, lack the red crown patch their male counterparts have.

They may be small, but their pecking packs a punch!

Song Sparrow
Lake
07 October 2025

"Small bird, big voice!"
This sweet little singer is a Song Sparrow, one of the most familiar voices in North American gardens and wetlands.

🎶 Males have unique songs — no two sound exactly alike! These birds belt out trills and whistles from branches, fences, and even blackberry bushes like this.

Pied-billed Grebes
Lake
07 October 2025

"Learning to dive, one ripple at a time."
This fluffy pair of Pied-billed Grebes shows off a classic family scene — curious chick and calm parent.

Grebes are expert divers and often disappear underwater instead of flying away. The juveniles? They follow every move and learn by mimicking.

🫧 If you blink, they’re gone!

Mallard
Lake
30 September 2025

"When a green head takes a break..."
This duck may not look like a classic Mallard, but it is! Males go through a "molting phase" where their brilliant colors fade temporarily — it’s called eclipse plumage.

💡 They stay safe and low-key during this time, especially while their flight feathers regrow.

Long-billed Dowitcher
Lake Regional Nature Park
28 September 2025

"Built like a needle, hunts like a sewing machine!"

The Long-billed Dowitcher uses that extra-long bill to probe deep into the mud for tasty worms and bugs. Watch it feed — the rapid up-and-down motion looks just like stitching fabric!

🪶 Migrating through North America, it’s a wetland specialist you don’t want to miss.

Juvenile Pied-billed Grebe
Lake
28 September 2025

"Baby stripes, big diving dreams!"
This adorable swimmer is a juvenile Pied-billed Grebe — you can spot them by their stripy cheeks and fluffy look.

They’re excellent divers, able to sink silently underwater to avoid predators or chase prey. In fact, they’re so sneaky that birders call them “submarines with feathers.” 🐦🌊

Spotted Sandpiper
Lake
28 September 2025

"Look who’s wading in style!"

This little shorebird may look dainty, but it’s a master of wetland hunting. Likely a Solitary Sandpiper, it prefers quiet ponds and muddy edges — and unlike other sandpipers, it doesn’t hang out in big flocks.