My Walk May6,2020

It was a good day starting at 06:30 dark. The pictures were all taken around Rotary Park in Whitecourt.

We have a Northern Shoveller preening

Whatever he can do, so can she!

It was fairly warm, but this Seagull still had to fluff up. 

A pair of Blue Wing Teal enjoying the sunshine. She is very camouflaged!

Then there are the noisy crows. This one was not happy with Daphnie being so close.

The Common Loon was enjoying a stretch after chasing breakfast in the pond

Our Ospreys

are back. There have been Ospreys in that nest every year for about 9 years that I know of.

There were five Mule Deer in the park and they didn't mind Daphnie at all

They just kept on feeding.

Then there is the Canada Goose, head up looking for any danger to his hens

All in all, a good hours walk!

Still here!

As I was taking my daily stroll around Rotary Park, I could here a baby bird crying. It was like "Feed me, Feed me". by the time I got to the Osprey nest, the deed was done and this not-so-little guy was noshing down on a fish! He was very hungry!

I t looks like somebody delivered a Rainbow Trout from the pond.

Osprey Profiles

I figure the Ospreys will be leaving for southern climates before too long. I was surprised to see this one still here and even more surprised to see him sitting and posing.

 He was quite the ham

 There was another one circling over the pond in Rotary Park probably looking for fish. It was not cooperative and stayed too high and didn't even stoop for fish.

 I am going to miss these guys. Its hard to believe that two days ago last year we had a snowstorm in Whitecourt!

 Stretching is probably good before a long flight.

 Hopefully, I will be able to get some action shots before they depart.

Mule Deer and Ospreys

 Going into Rotary Park today, this family of Mule Deer were at the entrance

 They are used to people and didn't mind resting a bit

 Then again. there is always one exhibitionist!

This is the only Osprey still around. I guess he is just reluctant to get into the world. I don't blame him!

Swatting Mosquitos

The mosquitos were horrible after 3 weeks of rain. I swung by the Osprey nest in Rotary Park.

 I could not see and young ones yet.

 She was not moving around much

This looks like a Herring Gull sitting on the pond

This is a different view

I am assuming this is a young of the year.

 Here is a sad case! No parents or siblings around, but enjoying the flooded grass.

 Paddling around, growing bigger. Hope he makes it! I am no sure what type of duck

The Dog Days of Summer

A day in the woods with Daphne is great! It gets me out and working towards my 5 miles per day

Over hill, over dale and over logs. Nothing stops her!

 A brief stop at the dog park so that she can show off her retrieving skills rounds it off well

 The Kong retrieve comes right back to my hand.

 Along the river today, I spotted this Osprey. I am surprised he is still around.

 Fishing must still be good!

 This Mule Doe was another bonus until Daphne put the run on her. Daphne does a token chase and doesn't go far. I guess she knows that catching deer is not easy!

Bits and Pieces

The wild flowers are starting to come out. The Wood Lily is now out in all its glory.

Unfortunately, the flowers do not last long

The Indian Paintbrush is just starting to show


 They are an unusual plant and quite distinctive.





The Common Marsh Bedstraw is rather delicate and unique.

Then, there is the Bumblebee on a Red Clover blossom.

A Great Blue Heron was enjoying a tranquil hot day!

Another Heron, almost invisible in the marsh grass

The Canola plants are starting to bloom out. They were previously known as Rapeseed plants, but I guess the name needed changing.

There are no signs of any baby Osprey yet, but the Missus is very vigilant