New Arrivals

Finally we have a sunny day and a few degrees above freezing.

It was a good day to go for a walk on the Athabasca River shore. Prepare for a lot of birds!

This was our first sunny day for sometime, and most were enjoying the sun and resting.

There is always one goose that is on guard.

A few were wandering around looking for food There are still 2 to 3 feet of snow in the fields, so I think most of the food is coming from river vegetation.

It's good to see them back

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!

Back to the River

After two days of snow, it was good to get out to the Athabasca River again. We have snow forecast for the next 4 days! The River has opened up a little bit, but refreezes at night with our-26C temps.

The geese seem to be happy and there are even some mallards back!

 These two were paddling downstream

 Most of the geese appear to be paired up

My trusty Rough Collie is looking pretty good after her spring Spa Day. Washed, trimmed and looking good!

I am not sure if this is an immature Bald Eagle or a young Golden. I need to ask some experts on Alberta Birds. This was about 200 yards away at maximum magnification. The snow was too deep to get closer.

Around Town

A walk-about today got me to the Athabasca River to enjoy the Canada Geese. (Noisy bunch). The weather was about +5C with no wind, so it was a great day for walking. Daphnie and I did 7 miles yesterday, and 4 so far today.

 I think they were happy to see some sun and feel the warmth.

 Can you guess which is the female?

 On a lighter note the Common Sparrows were pigging out at the feeder.

 So too were the Red Polls. Welcome back to the frozen North!

 The mail Red Poll was staying close to the female.

Spring Appears to be Delayed.. a bit!

The Magpies can smell a peanut from miles away. I think they have a secret spot where they can watch for a delivery!

 A lot of people don't like Magpies, but I find them to be very interesting, and intelligent.

 Speaking of intelligence, these sparrow find it a lot warmer sitting on the rail letting the sun warm both the front and backside. It was -20C today with a wind chill of -30! It was darn cold. At one time there were 8 sparrows on the rail.

Neither snow, sleet, hail or cold stops Daphnie from retrieving her Kong on a rope. It stopped me after about 1/2 hour.

Then, there was this lone Goose sitting in the middle of the Athabasca River. I think she is smart also because the water and the layer of air above it is probably 25degrees C warmer than sitting on the shore. She still looked miserable!

 My Black Capped Chickadee has returned with a mate. Hopefully they will nest in one of our bird houses again. I read somewhere that they need an equivalent of 250 sunflower seed per day in order to survive at these temperatures!

Okay everybody, have a great weekend and think warmer, please!

Yep, It's Coming Up Spring

Some of the early signs of spring are showing up. No matter that we are in a middle of a snow fall warning and visibility is way down. I heard geese squawking two days ago as they flew over the house in a snow storm. I found them today on the Athabasca River looking very miserable!

 I can just hear the missus saying " Charley, I told you it was too early to go North. I could be warming my feet in the sand on a beach where the temperature is 76 degrees! But no, you had to get going! Next year, for once in your life, listen to me when I say "Its too early""

 I cant hear you, I have my head under my wing!

 Just to put it in perspective here is a photo of our street just before the last snowfall!

Down by the River

Yesterday, we broke a 59 year old record at 19.3 C! Today is much the same! The woodland paths are flooded, muddy and slippery where there is still ice. No trails, off to the River I go.

 The first of the critters today was this squirrel. The warm weather has brought them out, and they are very hungry!

 There are lots of Canada Geese arriving from the south. Front side of a bathing pose

 Back side of the bathing pose.

 Drying off

 Looking regal!

The old pick -the -feathers -while- standing- on- one -leg pose

Its good to see them back! They kind of are replacing the Red Polls, Sparrows and others that are off nesting up.

Finally!

After 167 days of being below 0C or 32F, we have crossed over, I hope. It was +10C today and I got out with the camera to see what has developed on the river.
There were lots of Mallards hanging around and taking it easy. It almost looks like they have paired up already.

There were plenty of drake Buffleheads also with just a few females.

There were a lot more Canada Geese also. They are definitely paired!

This one was displaying some territorial behaviour!

Its not an iceberg, just left over ice in the river.

Two Common Goldeneyes.

 Across the river was a flock of sea gulls resting up with two guardians

All in all, it was a great hour!