Yep, It's Coming Up Spring

Some of the early signs of spring are showing up. No matter that we are in a middle of a snow fall warning and visibility is way down. I heard geese squawking two days ago as they flew over the house in a snow storm. I found them today on the Athabasca River looking very miserable!

 I can just hear the missus saying " Charley, I told you it was too early to go North. I could be warming my feet in the sand on a beach where the temperature is 76 degrees! But no, you had to get going! Next year, for once in your life, listen to me when I say "Its too early""

 I cant hear you, I have my head under my wing!

 Just to put it in perspective here is a photo of our street just before the last snowfall!

A Warmer, Sunny Day!

It was nice to get out again without a heavy coat, Toque, heavy gloves  and go walk-about with my faithful companion.

 We have a lot of snow this year and its only mid February. The Mule deer are looking healthy in spite of the snow and cold.

 They are even starting to get frisky while they enjoy the sunshine

 I figured they would have been scared off as the town held a massive snow mobile rally over the weekend, with about 450 sleds all going past their holding area.

Finally Finished!

After about 8 months of intermittent work, I finally finished the Wood Duck, Drake.

It started as three blocks of Jelutong wood from Malaysia.

 Some wood removal made it look more like a duck.

Next came the feathering,

Then came the Burning of the feathers

 And finally, the multiple coats of acrylic enamel. Then it was done! On to the next!

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.