Happy Spring! Finally!

Today, I found a new arrival, a Merganser!

There were a few more Mallards also

 Stretching and preening after a long flight

Welcome back!

Welcome Back to the Ospreys

Yesterday was the first day back for the family. They found the nest very quick and were quick to stake out a claim.

 Nothing like a good scratch to loosen up the feathers after a long flight.

 

 The Athabasca River is pretty much open and flowing fast so food shouldn't be a problem.





The Rotary Park pond is still frozen so the Rainbow Trout are safe for a while.

This Mallard Hen is expressing her displeasure at the  dump of snow that came yesterday. I am sure the Ospreys can second that!

Time to Check Out Who Is Back

I decided to head out and check the ponds for Snowbirds (the original type, you know, those that head south for the winter).

 The Mallards are returning and don't seem to mind a little ice.

 They are already paired up and looking for a nesting site.

 The geese have been back for several weeks, and have now moved from the fields to the ponds.

 The Mallards are all prettied up in their breeding plumage.

 There were even a couple of San hill cranes in the field.

 They are definitely well camouflaged.

I am still looking for the good beaver shot, and I did find a couple of promising spots today. I need it a little warmer, then I can sit out for a few hours.

It's great to have spring here again!