Spring Flooding

With the warm weather comes the break-up of ice on the Athabasca River. We made the national news with the flooding this year, the worst in 4 decades. The ice piled on the shore at the confluence of the McLeod and Athabasca Rivers gives some idea of how high the water was, and the power of the water. The boat launch is slightly unusable for a while!

On the Athabasca itself, ice and debris was piled high. The roads were closed to the major flooded area, so I was limited the dams that broke.

Here is a picture of a slough that was full of ice forced in by the Athabasca. I have taken lots of pictures in this area in the past.

 The walking trail was ice choked and impassible!

A Quick Update

Our snow has almost gone! The last two weeks have been spent cleaning up outside.


The patio furniture has been unstacked, washed and placed into the summer position.


The garage has been cleaned out of all the winter accumulation and junk, including the multi pounds of sand that came in with the cars.


The fruit trees have all been pruned back, including our ornamental crab apple. I took about 1/3 of the branches off it as it was getting very scraggly looking.


The dog, Daphne has me trained in two walks a day for a total of about 6 miles. It is much better now that the snow is gone and it is warm.

Even with a sprained foot (mine) she insisted on her walks. It was funny in that I went to get it x-rayed, due to the possibility of a bone in the foot being broken then the next day, rolled it again. The foot swelling went done, but I cant find my ankle bone.

We did get out for some bush walks. Read this as soaked, cold and very miserable walking. I managed to find most trails flooded, but Daphne insisted. She rules, you know. Nobody ever told her that she was a dog! Anyway I did find this critter. He/she was just out of hibernation and a little ratty looking. I had to chase her about 100 meters before she would stop

 and take a picture. As you can see, she was not very happy! I stayed just out of spray range.

I was looking for shots of skunks for about years. Patience is great!

Finally!

After 167 days of being below 0C or 32F, we have crossed over, I hope. It was +10C today and I got out with the camera to see what has developed on the river.
There were lots of Mallards hanging around and taking it easy. It almost looks like they have paired up already.

There were plenty of drake Buffleheads also with just a few females.

There were a lot more Canada Geese also. They are definitely paired!

This one was displaying some territorial behaviour!

Its not an iceberg, just left over ice in the river.

Two Common Goldeneyes.

 Across the river was a flock of sea gulls resting up with two guardians

All in all, it was a great hour!

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!