Put it Up and They Will Come

My old feeder was slightly banged up, so I scrapped it and put up a new one. It only took one day for the birds to find it.

The Hairy Woodpecker was one of the first. He liked the home grown sunflower heads.

The Evening Grosbeaks were close behind. It doesn't take long for the word to get out.

The Sparrows showed up of course. I'm not sure which type this is. He doesn't match up with my reference books.

There are a lot of Robins still about, even though we had about 8 inches of snow on the ground. They stayed in the Crab apple tree.

Dark Eyed Juncos were also there.

My Favourite clowns, The Bohemian Waxwings put on a good show.

OK, OK, so this Red Tailed Hawk was not at the feeder. I found him down the road a bit. Poetic licence I call it!

At the Swamp

It appears that it is nesting time for the crows. I saw several today hauling sticks. Hot work at 30C

The Marsh Marigolds are starting to show up in the swamps.

I was sitting by a beaver pond hoping that something exciting would show up. This Robin ws the only thing to come along.

This was the first Common Loon that I have seen this year.

It was a quiet, but peaceful morning.

Another walk was in the works today. I found this goose hiding out in the open on the other side of a branch of the Athabasca River. If she hadn't of moved slightly, I would not have noticed her.

This was the bird I was out looking for, a Sand Hill Crane. She was spooky and this was the best shot I got. I believe she is in nesting mode, so I will be back!

 The edge of a swamp gave up quite a few Red Winged Blackbirds. Pretty, but loud! The song is interesting though

Watching me over the shoulder!

It seems every body was out, even this juvenile White Tailed deer.

One of my favourites is the American Robin. We don't see many in our area in town as it is too built up.

Out and About

It was a cool (+3C) morning, but sunny, so a walk was in order.

Drake Common Merganser

These were the first that I have seen this spring. They looked to be in good shape.

Hen Common Merganser

 There is an old recipe on how to cook and prepare these ducks for the table. First you get a large pot, put the duck in it and add about a 4 pound piece of granite (rock). You then boil for about 3 hours. When the rock is tender, you throw the duck away and eat the rock. It works for other fish ducks also.

This pair will probably end up nesting fairly close to town.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of the first green thing in the beaver pond. It's a wonder that it hasn't been eaten!

This beaver pond was built in 4 steps with each step being about 6 feet deep. It goes back a long ways and holds a humongous amount of water!

The apple trees are starting to bud out and there were actually several lady bugs out already.

The first Robin of the year, in the back yard. Spring is here! You can't fool a Robin!

Out and About

I was wandering around the bush today looking for the elusive big game. I came up blank, but had a great day enjoying the outdoors. The only "wildlife" I saw was this weird looking mushroom

 I haven't looked it up in my mushroom book. I figured I would leave it be.

 The leaves are still hanging in, but are starting to go brown. We need a really good wind or snow.

 The bush roads are still gorgeous, and the logging road easy to walk on.

 It's still almost impossible to see any thing beyond the road due to the thickness of the grass.

 However, the colours were great. The re-planted area (about 5 years, my guess) is growing well and the trees are very healthy looking.

 This Black Capped Chickadee was very shy

 There are still lots of Robins around, but they are now forming large flocks and are very excited. It must be getting close to travel time.

Five Minutes in a Tree

The choke cherry tree next door is very busy! The berries are ripe and attracting all sorts of birds. The Downy Woodpecker was cleaning up the trunk. I didn't see him eat any berries, but he might have.

 The Robin was also getting into it, putting on weight for the migration.

 He was quite acrobatic in trying to get at the goodies.

 Got one. Toss it up and down the hatch!

 The crow was more sedate in his feeding, but ate a lot of berries!

 Yep, pretty laid back!

Not bad for 5 minutes watching.

Random Wednesday

A brief walk today brought forth a few photo opportunities. The mallard was pretty laid back.

 The geese were attentive, but not scared. They have nested in this area for the last 4 years (maybe longer).

 Spring is definitely here when the Marsh Marigolds are out. You can't fool them! spring is about 2 weeks later than normal.

 The odd butterfly was out and about.

 This woodpecker decided to pose while hammering for a mate. it appears to be a juvenile Yellow Bellied sapsucker.

 Robins appear to be everywhere now.

 I see you!