Whats new at the Feeder?

With the temperature still at -28C and -47C with the wind chill, the feeder has been very busy the last 10 days. We seem to be hosting 6 Blue Jays several times a day.

 There are also 8 Chickadees that come in after the Blue Jays are finished.

 There are also about 30 sparrows that like throwing shells around. This one was fluffing up the feathers.

This Bald Eagle wasn't at the feeder, but in a tree by the dog park. No matter what the temperature, Daphnie insists on her walk twice a day. I was surprised the camera didn't freeze up.

Here is a female Pine Grosbeak. She and about 10 others come in the morning and again in the evening.

Here 

Freeze Out!

The last few days have been a bust for taking photos! At -39C or -50C with the windchill it has not been possible to get out and about. Hands freeze (literally) in about 2 minutes at those temperatures. Believe me, you do not want to hold a camera with the gloves off!

Even the birds have been hold up somewhere. Today, a few Chickadees showed up at the feeder. I got a couple of shots through the window.

 This Pine Grosbeak caught my attention. I haven't seen one in weeks. He made a big dent in my sunflower seeds! The sun hit him just right.

I saw somewhere that there are only 5 more Mondays until spring. One more week of deep freeze and then bring it on!

Athabasca Freeze Up

 In November the slush ice started forming and moving downstream.

The ice would start to hang up on rocks and shallow places

 More and more ice would form and pile up.

 Eventually, the channels would get narrower.

 A snowfall made for a bleary and dull day

 A Bald Eagle was still hunting the open water.

 The open water is now almost gone.

 A little hoar frost made for pretty scenes.

A Slight Delay in Posting!

Its been over a month since I have blogged here, mainly due to sickness with my wife. My son showed up with Mad Max, the Labrador Retriever. Although Daphne and Max hadn't seen each other for many months, they immediately started playing as if no time had passed! It was a zoo for a while.

However, after a bunch of playing, a long walk, they were content to lay about. Daphne took over Max's bed, and then they shared.

An Immature Red Tailed Hawk?

.I was out for a short trip with my dog and came across this Hawk. I think it is an immature Red-Tailed Hawk, but am not 100% sure. 

He was definitely a good hunter and I missed the stoop and attack 😒

It's hard on the mice, but hey, Hawks have to eat too.

 Now, what's for dessert?

Still here!

As I was taking my daily stroll around Rotary Park, I could here a baby bird crying. It was like "Feed me, Feed me". by the time I got to the Osprey nest, the deed was done and this not-so-little guy was noshing down on a fish! He was very hungry!

I t looks like somebody delivered a Rainbow Trout from the pond.

Osprey Profiles

I figure the Ospreys will be leaving for southern climates before too long. I was surprised to see this one still here and even more surprised to see him sitting and posing.

 He was quite the ham

 There was another one circling over the pond in Rotary Park probably looking for fish. It was not cooperative and stayed too high and didn't even stoop for fish.

 I am going to miss these guys. Its hard to believe that two days ago last year we had a snowstorm in Whitecourt!

 Stretching is probably good before a long flight.

 Hopefully, I will be able to get some action shots before they depart.

Mule Deer and Ospreys

 Going into Rotary Park today, this family of Mule Deer were at the entrance

 They are used to people and didn't mind resting a bit

 Then again. there is always one exhibitionist!

This is the only Osprey still around. I guess he is just reluctant to get into the world. I don't blame him!

The Choke Cherries are Ripe

I was hoping for Robins, but ended up with these crows.  The berries must be getting ripe.

 They nested in a spruce tree two houses down and are very tame. 

 I cant say I am overly fond of crows, but they are  better than nothing!

Updates

The Bear that I found in Rotary Park

has been live trapped and relocated by Fish and Wildlife. Apparently, the apple tree was  cut down. A second bear was also trapped. There are still a female with two cubs hanging around. I am happy that I got the photos when I did.

 I am now up to 16 apple pies and 16 apple crumbles that are sitting in the freezer waiting.

I am getting very tired of apples! There are still about 50 pounds on the last tree and I plan to pick them this evening and give them away!