New Returns

 

The first shot is of of a Tundra Swan. There were lots more present in the fields today.

This is a Sandhill Crane, the first that I have seen this year. They are a stately bird. Unfortunately I couldn't get closer.

Yet another Tundra Swan!

A flock of Mallards was just leaving a field pond. If you bigify the photo you will see some Pintail Ducks include with the Mallards.

This is another newcomer for the year, a seagull.

Can you find the Pintail Duck?

That's all for now. It may be a few days before I can get out again.

 

First of the Year, April 6,2021

I was out with Daphne this morning and saw a lot of new faces in the fields. First of all the Tundra Swans are back! They were kind if skittish, but I got a few shots.

Then there were a few Pintail Ducks, also the first of the year

Of course there were a few Mallards in the group. They have been back for a while.

It is good to see them back! it makes it feel like spring. Besides you cant fool waterfall! Have a great day!

What's New?

 There a few things that are different. First, most of the summer birds are gone, along with the Sandhill Cranes. The leaves are turning colours and a lot have fallen. It might be an early winter.

I am reduced to photographing other things than birds. Things such as this Red Squirrel eating spruce cones.

Also things like this big  fat spider that built a beautiful web across the garage entrance!

Yep, he was a big one!

Then there were disorganized Mallards

And a little better formation once Ma put her foot down!

Then, best of all is our new Class C RV. We are just getting things organized and hoping for a short trip this week to get to know her.

It's in real good shape and very comfortable for the two of us to live in for extended periods, this winter and next summer.

It's 28 feet long, powered by a Ford V10. It has a shower, hot water, generator and will sleep 6 in a push. We will see how she performs in the mountains, soon, I hope! Ps there is a powerful furnace for those cold and snowy days.😊

Summer Influx of Birds

There were a lot of new faces on the Athabasca River today! I am not sure who this guy is, but he was having a lot of fun in the current.

This one is a Hooded Merganser with his hood down That is a sign of a contented Merganser.

This Common Goldeneye just flipped and caught a minnow head down!

Here are two more Goldeneyes

A Drake Mallard up against an ice bank

A Hen Mallard at rest

Then we have an American Wigeon.

I was wondering what these Canada Geese were picking at. It turns out the ice is covered with very small flying insects.

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

More Pond Critters

The Sanhill Crane wasn't cooperating very well today. Darn hard to track them!

 These folks must have just dropped in. I did not see them yesterday

 I got too close and they started to talk in unison. Very, very noisy! Worse than a bunch of crows.

 Brooklyn may as well be a pond critter because it is her favourite place!

 Give her a pond and a stick and she becomes a retriever.