Birds of the Day!

 The first four pictures are of a Canada Jay digging up food in the snow. They are also known as Camp Robbers.

The next three are of a Blue Jay posing quite well while chowing down

And there are a few of the Red Squirrel that just can't stay away.

And of course, the Chickadee has to say "The End"

 

Snow Storm!

It was snowing pretty good this morning, but Daphnie still demanded her walk. More and more geese are coming in every day. They found a sheltered cove and were huddled down. Even Daphnie walking along the shore did not move them.

 We are expecting 12 to 20 cm of snow over the next few days. It's typical, it seems, for the end of March!

The river was rougher than normal, with the wind blowing down river

On a lighter note, the Blue Jays were sitting and waiting patiently for their peanuts.

 Of course, Big Brother was perched right over the geese, watching intently!

Have a good day. Stay isolated, Think WARM!

Whats new at the Feeder?

With the temperature still at -28C and -47C with the wind chill, the feeder has been very busy the last 10 days. We seem to be hosting 6 Blue Jays several times a day.

 There are also 8 Chickadees that come in after the Blue Jays are finished.

 There are also about 30 sparrows that like throwing shells around. This one was fluffing up the feathers.

This Bald Eagle wasn't at the feeder, but in a tree by the dog park. No matter what the temperature, Daphnie insists on her walk twice a day. I was surprised the camera didn't freeze up.

Here is a female Pine Grosbeak. She and about 10 others come in the morning and again in the evening.

Here 

Out for a Drive

I came across this immature bald eagle watching a deer carcass. I was hoping he would come down, or fly, but no such luck.

 He was blended in quite well and I didn't see him at first.

 A very regal bird, but still a scavenger.

Also there were lots of Blue Jays

 And a Downey Woodpecker

 The Athabasca River is making ice at a good rate

 The Magpies were settling for left overs.

Mid September Blues

Here we are, sitting in the middle of a snow storm! Super large flakes are coming down and the grass is starting to be covered. Hopefully, it will melt later today. Worst case scenario is next spring.

I did get my replacement camera, a Canon SX60HS which is one up from my old SX50. Don't, don't ever leave a camera in a locked car! Chances are somebody saw you putting it there. Even hidden, he knows it's in there. I have taken a few shots with it such as this Blue Jay, just to test it out

The moon on a smokey day turned out OK. There was no editing, and the moon filled the screen. Now, I just have to get back out there!

Blue Jays

Most of the birds have migrated by now, except for the odd flock of geese that are going over a mile high. That puts me back to the feeder for bird shots.

I have been inundated with Blue Jays. They seem to like my feeder (and food).

Now and again you see one having a "bad Hair Day"

They are not my favourite bird, but I enjoy the colours. They tend to be bullies.

There were actually seven present today. Word gets around!

Quiet Days

It's been a quiet few days with a fair bit of snow. Even the birds have been hunkered down somewhere else. I have been searching the books trying to figure out what this bird is. Can anybody help out?

 The Blue Jays are still around, all six of them. It looks like I will be feeding them all winter.

 Every body seems to disappear when the Magpies show up, even the Blue Jays. It seems that there is a distinct pecking order.

 Well, off to other places.

Around the Feeder

As the snow starts to come, there are more and more birds taking advantage of the free meals.

 At last count there are 6 Blue Jays coming in about 3 times a day.

 They are cute but rather aggressive towards the other birds. Everybody does manage to sort things out over time.

 Their table manners leave much to be desired. Grab and gulp!

 For some reason, there are still lots of ornamental crabs on the trees. Normally they would all be eaten by now.

 I am not sure what this guy is. At first, I thought it was a House Finch, then a Common Red Poll, but the colours don't quite add up. Hopefully he will be back and I can get a better photo.

 The House Sparrow is a regular visitor and generally arrives by the dozen (s). as you can see, we have been visited by snow. Fortunately, most has melted, but we are getting closer to permanent cover.

 The Bohemian Waxwings are bunching up ready to migrate. I saw flocks of up to 200 going by this morning.

 They are very excited and skittish  , getting ready for the migration. There were about 20 by the feeder, but I couldn't get a shot.

As you can see, this is not a very good shot of a coyote. The light and distance were not good, however, I know where he is hanging out.