A Golden Morning!

I had the opportunity this morning while walking Daphne to observe the morning routine of a family of Goldeneye. For a change they were close to shore while I was there. A good stretch started off the bathing routine.

Next came the lathering up.

Then we started to get serious about this grooming bit.

A quick rinse and the wash was complete.

\A final check under the arm pit.

Almost forgot to check the tail!

A quick scratch and it is done.

Doesn't she look swell?

Time to check on the kids.

Off to the shore.

I hope they observed how it was done! Those little gaffers have really grown over the last two weeks! It's almost time to fly away!

 

Early Morning Walk

I took Daphne out this morning and visited one of my usual spots. There were lots of critters around. See I told you it was early. The Blue winged Teal was still napping.

The Red winged Blackbird was awake and noisy

!

Another sleepy Blue-winged Teal

Mrs. Green-winged Teal was busy with the kids

Something must be itching

The Beginning of Spring-like Weather

At last we are getting a break in the weather with temperatures forecast to be above freezing into double digits for the next 2 weeks. Spring is here?

My faithful companion and I did a walk today, enjoying the sunshine.

 At first I thought it really was spring as the bushes were flowering. Wishful thinking?

 The Eagle was still on his perch watching the River for fish, or, maybe, just enjoying the sunshine. It still looks like he has attitude!

 There were still more ducks on the river today. They look very healthy in spite of the -30C weather that we have had.

I am looking forward to the heat and snow shrinkage. It will be lots easier to get out!

The River Again!

The day was a little warmer with temperatures around the freezing mark. My friends the Common Goldeneyes were still around swimming in the current and diving for food. They appear to have over wintered well. They are one of my favourite ducks.  

The Eagles were still hanging out in the tree andwere kind of watching Daphne. Unfortunately they were in sleep mode and unwilling to fly.

They sure are majestic in their manner, like don't muss with me!

These two seem to hang out together. Whether they will be a nesting pair we will see.

We have enough snow now that travel in the bush requires snow shoes and a lot of effort. It appears the forecast for the next two weeks is good and I can get back out looking for other critters.

Have a great weekend!

A Busy Day on the Athabasca River

The tributaries were full of ducks today. 

American Wigeon

Mallard drake

Canada Geese

Blue Winged Teal

Buffle Head

American Wigeon

American Wigeon

Blue Winged Teal

American Wigeon

Mallard Drake

More Riverside Shots

More and more different birds  are coming back to the area. This Green-Winged Teal is my first of the year. Believe it or not, more birds back and the ice basically gone, means they are spreading out more and harder to find.

Green -Winged Teal

 The geese are paired up now and starting to nest

Canada Goose

 I saw this mallard coming down the river and he was kind enough to pose.

Mallard Drake

 Another Mallard enjoying the sun

Mallard Drake

 The lesser ducks are also paired up, but still heavily into feeding.

Buffle Head

 The next three shots are of Ring Necked Ducks.

Ring Necked Duck

Ring Necked Duck

Canada Goose

 Old Mr. Crow  was keeping slightly ahead of me on my walk.

American Crow

 I have come to the conclusion that I could use a longer lens, but alas, my Canon won't take one.

The Crazy Duck Day

I decided to take a short walk without the dogs today. The ducks were cooperating quite well.

 There were lots and lots of Mallards on the Athabasca

 Some of them were pretty loud!

 There were even a few Buffleheads.