Scarcity of Critters

It was another super hot and smokey day. I took Brooklyn for a swim and long walk. The only critters wandering about were some magpies, a Blue Wing Teal (female), and two sandpipers(?) 

It's hard to get magpies in flight. I may have to bait them with a pile of popcorn, if I can keep myself from eating it all. :-}

 These were only about 10 feet off shore, but it looks a lot farther.

More Wednesday 'Pies

These guys seem to have adopted us. Altough they are noisy, sneaky and somewhat annoying at times, they are rather fun to have around.

 I have been trying for some time to catch a few in flight, but they are extremely nervous around people.

 Maybe tomorrow I will camp out under the awning and ambush them as they come in.

Invasion of the 'Pies

I had about 20 of these guys hanging around yesterday.

 They are extremely nervous and skittish.

 The youngsters couldn't resistin hanging out for a while.

 look ma, no neck feathers yet!

Pesky Varmint!

I almost got the shot that I wanted. It appears there is a slight (read 4 foot) delay in pushing the button and getting the picture. As long as the bread crusts hold out, I will keep on trying! Maybe I will have to stuff one in the position I want in order to get some critter co-operation.

It's much easier when they just sit and pose! I have to wait for the sun to come out to brighten things up, as it's been snowing for the last two days.

It could be much worse though, and I feel for the folks on the East Coast!

More Magpies!

These dudes are getting tamer as the days go on! The stale home made bread also keeps them around.

 Just a little Canola in flower for a change of pace.

We have 6 baby magpies hanging around. They are almost full grown and have definitely found their vocal chords!

 This is either mom, or dad. It's hard to tell them apart.

 The potatoes are hilled and growing well, in spite of not having any rain.

 The rest of the garden is also doing great.

The neighbours have grass. The lawn mowers have eaten ours down. This whitetail knows which is the better side!

No, that's not dirt on the lens. It's smoke from three forest fires about 200 km north of us. Visibility is down to about 3 miles. We are not in any danger, although the fire hazard has jumped back up to extreme again. Thunderstorms  are forecast. Hopefully, no new fires will happen.

Have a great weekend!

New Guys on the Block

We seem to be adopted by 4 Black Billed Magpies. We see them frequently, often in the winter, and generally at a distance. These guys have taken to the bird feeder and our "pond". They apparently have a bad reputation, but so far we haven't seen why. They like to warm their feet on the horse's backs in the winter.

I am going to have to wait for a while until they become tamer for the in flight pictures. They are truly a very pretty bird.

Expect more (hopefully) in the near future.