Bush Walk

It was a very windy day, too windy for ice fishing, so I took Daphne on a 4 mile walk, looking for some critters. Even in the bush it was blowing. That let out seeing deer, moose or elk. They were all hunkered down someplace. The Bohemian Waxwings were very co-operative.

 There were three Pine Grosbeaks, fluffed up and trying to stay warm The Male,2 photos below, were exceptionally fluffy.

The female Pine Grosbeak was a little more "normal".

Just in case you were wondering what its like taking photos in Whitecourt, this is the sun at high noon. The light is only good from 10:00 am to about 2:30. Otherwise it is a challenge to get a good picture.

More Birdies

The Pine Grosbeaks are still enjoying the ornamental crab apple tree and the feeder.

 They are starting to get very tame, and don't fly as you walk by.

 It looks like the Bohemian Waxwings have rediscovered the food store.

 The female grosbeaks are very entertaining.

Bohemian Waxwings

I haven't seen these guys for a while, but I guess that the crab apples that are left on the tree are in the proper state of softness and fermentation for a good chow down.

There were about 30 that showed up, and took little time to strip the tree.

Fermentated berries, softened in the morning sun are good, or so they tell me.

 Who says you can't fly on one wing? Have another berry.

 Yep, munch, munch, munch!

The Invasion of theBohemian Waxwings

It may have been cold, wet, foggy and miserable, but these guys showed up any way. 

 They will over winter here if there is enough food. The bird feeder went up today!

 Our neighbour's tree was full.

 They have their winter feathers and did not seem to mind the -2C weather and wind.

 A few were eyeing up the Mountain ash berries in the other neighbour's yard.

 Cute little fluff balls!

 A second tree slightly over loaded.