Gone Walkabout

 We did a long walk today trying to find some wild life. When I stepped out of the truck, this Downy Woodpecker was in a tree overhead. We also saw one grouse (no pictures due to dogs giving chase), one chickadee (ditto) and not much else. 

 It was a bright, sunny day, a great day for just walking. The temperature was just below freezing.

 We walked along the edge of a Larch plantation. It was very large. If you notice the planting density of 2400 trees per hectare, it was very thick. The Larch, or Tamarack as I know it, is naturally occurring, but somebody has plans for these in about 20 more years. 

I was wondering what type of critter made these tracks.

When I caught up with same critter, it turned out to be a very tired Brooklyn, sort of a side winder.

The Downy Woodpecker Returns

He's been absent for a few days

Hodge Podge

I had to leave Brooklyn at home today. I wore her out on the walk yesterday. Daphne was in great form and enjoyed the dog park and walk by the river. I spied this Mule doe beside the trail plus a few of her friends.

 It was sunny and warm, and they were in no mood to get up and move.

 On our way out, I had to stop for a moment and grab a few photos of the Downy Woodpecker. She hasn't been around for a few days.

 The Athabasca River is still flowing pretty good

 The daytime temps have been above freezing for the last 4 days and is forecast to continue!

It's Been Slow...

This female Pine Grosbeak is a regular on the berry tree. Regular little pig!

Of course, there are always sparrows!

The weather has been good, probably too good as the birds are staying away from the feeder.

 The Downy Woodpecker still comes in for a daily dose of suet, but generally at first and last light only. I did catch him at noon though. 

 

Five Minutes in a Tree

The choke cherry tree next door is very busy! The berries are ripe and attracting all sorts of birds. The Downy Woodpecker was cleaning up the trunk. I didn't see him eat any berries, but he might have.

 The Robin was also getting into it, putting on weight for the migration.

 He was quite acrobatic in trying to get at the goodies.

 Got one. Toss it up and down the hatch!

 The crow was more sedate in his feeding, but ate a lot of berries!

 Yep, pretty laid back!

Not bad for 5 minutes watching.