Yep, Its Spring in Whitecourt!

You would never know it though. We have had a major dump of snow almost twice a week. We are also running out of places to put the stuff!

I am thankful that my snow blower didn't sell as I have used it more times this winter than in the previous 5 years. 

I did take Daphne down to the river this afternoon. We did not go far because the snow made tough walking



 The major purpose was to see how the geese were doing, and to play out Daphne with the Kong on a Rope.

 There were lots of geese, mostly sleeping in the shallows or on shore. More than one must be wondering why they came back so soon!

Happy Easter Everybody!

It Doesnt Matter....

That we are about to get 10 to 20 cm of snow by the weekend. The geese have declared that it is spring!

 There is not a lot of open water on the Athabasca yet, but I guess its enough, at least for a rest

 A few Goldeneyes have also appeared. I don't think these were the ones that over wintered

 All in all, its nice to see the birds coming back. It gives hope that winter is coming to an end!

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!

M&M Mallard Monday

Spring is getting closer, although we have 10 to 15 cm of snow forecast for later in the week. The Mallards are starting to appear on the river again, and Mallards are never wrong about spring!

 They were very busy preening and feeding.

The females were outnumbered by about 3:1. There was no squabbling going on yet!

 Just like a lady. Showing a bit of leg to get attention!

Just cruising in the current looking for food.

Mating Season Coming Up

Ask Me If I am .....

Having Fun!

Yep, definitely fun!

 The Moose was a bonus

Thanks go to Michelle for using her iPhone!

Warm Weather

About 29 to Go. and I Can be Called a Cowboy!

It is said that you have to be tossed 100 times before you are a Cowboy. I have been working hard at getting the designation. Today, while trying to get Monte to go up a steep hill in deep snow, she refused about half way up, tried to turn and went over backwards. She landed partially on my right leg, but with the deep snow did not hurt me. The only thing hurt was my pride! Michelle was concerned and did not laugh. I think I would have just watching a horse and rider sliding and rolling down the hill. No damage done and a fantastic ride! We even saw a Cow and Calf Moose, which set the horses off again. Why horses hate Moose and Llamas is beyond me. Fortunately, I saw the moose first and warned Michelle.

The two pictures are after the ride when we were cooling down the horses. Monte is a good horse and is the one wearing the blanket. He got pretty wet due to the roll. Anyway, thanks for a great afternoon!

The Beginning of Spring-like Weather

At last we are getting a break in the weather with temperatures forecast to be above freezing into double digits for the next 2 weeks. Spring is here?

My faithful companion and I did a walk today, enjoying the sunshine.

 At first I thought it really was spring as the bushes were flowering. Wishful thinking?

 The Eagle was still on his perch watching the River for fish, or, maybe, just enjoying the sunshine. It still looks like he has attitude!

 There were still more ducks on the river today. They look very healthy in spite of the -30C weather that we have had.

I am looking forward to the heat and snow shrinkage. It will be lots easier to get out!

Red Pole Tuesday

These guys are more than borderline cute! They are also always very hungry!

 At times it seems like I was feeding about 60 of these. There favourite food is black oil sunflower seeds.

I gave up trying to photograph these on the wing. They don't fly in straight lines. Maybe I will have to stake out their flight path. My motto is " If you don't succeed the first time, Give up". 



Just kidding. I will persevere!

Digging Out....Again!



Yep, we got dumped on again! It is not as if we had enough snow before, but we had to get more about 25 cm. I had my snow blower up for sale in the summer, but now I am happy I still have it. This is the first time that I have had to use it in the three years in town.

It was a mess! Fortunately we did not have to go anyplace this weekend, other than Church. Daphne was not impressed!

 

Fun and games!

The River Again!

The day was a little warmer with temperatures around the freezing mark. My friends the Common Goldeneyes were still around swimming in the current and diving for food. They appear to have over wintered well. They are one of my favourite ducks.  

The Eagles were still hanging out in the tree andwere kind of watching Daphne. Unfortunately they were in sleep mode and unwilling to fly.

They sure are majestic in their manner, like don't muss with me!

These two seem to hang out together. Whether they will be a nesting pair we will see.

We have enough snow now that travel in the bush requires snow shoes and a lot of effort. It appears the forecast for the next two weeks is good and I can get back out looking for other critters.

Have a great weekend!

Down the Road Again...

 It is fun to be out and about! You might call it
 " 4 wheel freedom" . Even when the snow is so deep you can never catch those pesky rabbits, it is fun

It is even more fun when you come home and get snuggles from the youngest Grand (Pumpkin)Child.

The two of them bonded immediately!

Daphne was very spoiled (even more than normal) by

the time the eldest son and family left.

It was a short, but happy visit


Here is the rest of the family!