They Continue to Come!

A lot of the migratory birds are back, just to get hit with a major snow storm!

Common Goldeneye

Northern Shoveller

Great Blue Heron

Common Merganser

Common Merganser Pair

Common Merganser Drake

Great Blue Heron

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!

It Doesnt Matter....

That we are about to get 10 to 20 cm of snow by the weekend. The geese have declared that it is spring!

 There is not a lot of open water on the Athabasca yet, but I guess its enough, at least for a rest

 A few Goldeneyes have also appeared. I don't think these were the ones that over wintered

 All in all, its nice to see the birds coming back. It gives hope that winter is coming to an end!

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!

April 11 Spring Day

It's good to see the creeks and streams starting to open up. The birds are starting to settle down and pair up/

The geese are spreading out more and the large flocks are dissipating.

The Mallards are back in droves.

 It's still very hard to get a good picture of a Magpie. The black and white doesn't photograph well, or at least, I haven't learned how to deal with it.

 I do like the colours on the Common Goldeneyes.