Fall Already?

Out browsing around today, I found a bunch of Long-Billed Dowitchers and a mix of Sandpipers.

The Dowitchers do not nest in Alberta, but raise their families in the Arctic. They migrate through Alberta.

I can't help but wonder what they know that we don't. Snow in the North? Early winter?

They certainly didn't mind someone watching them.

The Sandpipers were also very laid back.

Let's hope it is not a sign of an early winter. I am just getting used to summer!

Are you ready for winter?

A Hot, Hot day

I did my morning walk around the park plus a detour up the Sagitawa River to get some exercise for my back. Most of the critters were hunkered down in the shade some where and were very absent.

I saw hundreds of these small butterflies feeding in the wild flowers. This is the first time that I have seen this species and have no idea what their name is.

I also saw this fellow om the river flats. It is some sort of shore bird but not one that is readily identifiable in "The Audubon Field Guide to North American Birds". It could be the young of the year, I guess. It can fly very well, and was by itself.

The mother Osprey was shading the chick(s)? but I could not get a look at them today. She is one tough looking bird! Unfortunately, there is no way to get a look into the nest as it's located on a platform on top of a 30 foot telephone pole. One day I may catch them at feeding time. I would imagine they will be hopping around pretty good.