• This month -  13
• This year -  71
• Career total -  163
• Pictures posted -  409

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of a "kettle" of Turkey Vultures, beginning to form for their morning departure to find or return to food.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of one of two Cooper's Hawks that flew up from the heavy underbrush, leaving only the feathers of I think a Ruffed Grouse; the chattering accompanying the eating, was what got our attention!

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of a fall adult, one of the 150 gulls that were feeding on insects in the air with the 5 nighthawks.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of one of two Cooper's Hawks that flew up from the heavy underbrush, leaving only the feathers of I think a Ruffed Grouse; the chattering accompanying the eating, was what got our attention!

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of one of the 5 nighthawks that were feeding on insects in the air with about 150 Franklin's Gulls.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of one of the 5 nighthawks that were feeding on insects in the air with about 150 Franklin's Gulls.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of one of the 5 nighthawks that were feeding on insects in the air with about 150 Franklin's Gulls.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; this shot of a bird airing and sunning the feathers at the Roost in the evening.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird.

-another of the excursions that "JB" and I went on, this time to Arm Lake, AB; we located another Roost and were fortunate to sight another tagged bird (ACA), an Alberta bird; it looks like the tag is on the left wing, but the bird is upside down! HA!

-this guy, who is gradually getting his head- feathers back and the usual neighborhood birds were not at all worried about the appearance of a large number of Grackles.

-backyard and adjacent property; this shot was back-lit.

-OOPS! These birds were not Brewers Blackbirds, as I first identified; they came later in the day to property adjacent to ours and our backyard; I was able to get some shots; they are larger than a Brewers with much more iridescence; looks like the pre-migration wild gatherings are starting; these guys really like Weeping Birches and spruce trees, as do many other species, including the Merlins; also read that the Icterids have a specially- muscled beak that has strong opening capabilities; they use this to spread apart the dirt or grass when they are ground foraging.

-backyard and adjacent property.

-backyard and adjacent property; sap is dripping from the seed cones though I didn't see any birds take the sap, perhaps insects are trapped in areas where it is deposited and the birds take advantage of this event.

-notice how similar the arial shape is to the Kestrel.

-"JB" and I actually saw this bird during our Turkey Vulture Project on July 22, 2010; we tried to distract her, so that I could get a closer shot but she didn't go for it; notice how similar the arial shape is to the Merlin.

-"JB" and I actually saw this extended family during our Turkey Vulture project at Moose Lake on July 22; (19) young ones could indicate that this female's nest was parasitized by another of the same species, or, that since eiders, goldeneyes and scoters abandon their young after a few weeks, this large family resulted and became attended by this female..

-neighborhood family fly around; lucked out with this shot of male and female, showing reverse sexual size dimorphism, that is common in accipitrids.

-neighborhood family fly around; action shots of female.

-neighborhood family fly around; action shots of female.

-neighborhood family fly around; action shots of female.

-actually saw these birds on July 21-23, during the vulture project that JB and I are involved in. We were pleased that we got pics of our first two tagged- birds. (ACM is the Alberta bird and T64 is a Saskatchewan bird.) Here are some shots, including the spread- wing posture that they use to air their feathers and warm up their bodies before the morning departure to hunt for food.

-actually saw these birds on July 21-23, during the vulture project that JB and I are involved in. We were pleased that we got pics of our first two tagged- birds. (ACM is the Alberta bird and T64 is a Saskatchewan bird.) Here are some shots, including the spread- wing posture that they use to air their feathers and warm up their bodies before the morning departure to hunt for food.

-actually saw these birds on July 21-23, during the vulture project that JB and I are involved in. We were pleased that we got pics of our first two tagged- birds. (ACM is the Alberta bird and T64 is a Saskatchewan bird.) Here are some shots, including the spread- wing posture that they use to air their feathers and warm up their bodies before the morning departure to hunt for food.

-actually saw these birds on July 21-23, during the vulture project that JB and I are involved in. We were pleased that we got pics of our first two tagged- birds. (ACM is the Alberta bird and T64 is a Saskatchewan bird.) Here are some shots, including the spread- wing posture that they use to air their feathers and warm up their bodies before the morning departure to hunt for food.

-neighborhood family; young one is still being fed in ths tree; "Mom, you've sure got the moves!"

-neighborhood family; young one is still being fed in ths tree; Mom on the right.

-neighborhood family; this young one is still being fed in this tree.

-neighborhood family; this young one is still being fed in this tree.

- JB and I went for a jaunt around Lake Beaumaris; shots in close to fishing technique; the grey and black on the head represents post-breeding plumage.

- JB and I went for a jaunt around Lake Beaumaris; shots in close to fishing technique; the grey and black on the head represents post-breeding plumage.

- JB and I went for a jaunt around Lake Beaumaris; shots in close to fishing technique; the grey and black on the head represents post-breeding plumage.

- JB and I went for a jaunt around Lake Beaumaris; shots in close to fishing technique; the grey and black on the head represents post-breeding plumage.

- JB and I went for a jaunt around Lake Beaumaris; shots in close to fishing technique; the grey and black on the head represents post-breeding plumage.

-was in to this general location for about 30 seconds and only appeared once for a shot!

-this group, were immersed in "flycatching" from the dead branches of an aspen and "gleaning" in the willows that are prevalent on the east side of the Natural Area.

-the female flew up from under tall grass as I was returning to my car. Nest is pretty tricky to see, unless you are on top of it!

-this pair on the other side; one insistent on contorting to get the preening done! (the female? HA!)

-this group of four with one, I believe, in First Cycle plumage;

-this group, I"ll call the Poplar Lake Ravens, were actually adjacent to the natural area, in a forest of tall mature trees, belonging to the DND (Dept of National Defense). Guess it woudn't be a good idea to wander around in there! HA!

-took a quick run by Poplar Lake Natural Area and took a long shot of this individual.

-took a quick run by Poplar Lake Natural Area and took a long shot of this individual

-dropped by Grandin Pond in St.Albert, where I saw the Wood Duck last year; three Mallard families including males; this little one came from a long way, looking for food, which the locals regularly supply.

-dropped by Grandin Pond in St.Albert, where I saw the Wood Duck last year; Horned Grebes of mixed age and plumage.

-dropped by Grandin Pond in St.Albert, where I saw the Wood Duck last year; Horned Grebes of mixed age and plumage.

-alongside the adjacent school; this gal has been on this nest for at least 3 weeks, so incubation is almost complete (26- 30 days); I worry about her 4- block journey to the nearest lake, which includes a walk over an arterial roadway; if someone picks up on this caravan, they would be able to push the flashing lights for her at a main crosswalk. This shot showing a now rather wide open exposure, after the city pruned the rose bushes in the flower bed. Her camouflage is what's saving her.

-alongside the adjacent school; this gal has been on this nest for at least 3 weeks, so incubation is almost complete (26- 30 days); I worry about her 4- block journey to the nearest lake, which includes a walk over an arterial roadway; if someone picks up on this caravan, they would be able to push the flashing lights for her at a main crosswalk. This shot showing a now rather wide open exposure, after the city pruned the rose bushes in the flower bed. Her camouflage is what's saving her.

-alongside the adjacent school; this gal has been on this nest for at least 3 weeks, so incubation is almost complete (26- 30 days); I worry about her 4- block journey to the nearest lake, which includes a walk over an arterial roadway; if someone picks up on this caravan, they would be able to push the flashing lights for her at a main crosswalk.

-this family spent a good portion of the day in our backyard; we really heard about it when we went outside! most birds prefer to drink from this metal drinking bath; birds can't get into the water easily to take a bath.

-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; this was the male of a pair, that nested at the top of a spruce tree.

-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; one of the group of fifteen.

-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; the same bird who started out on the ground, tending to a piece of fish when we happened along.

-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of our Turkey Vulture Project; this was one of seven, that flew over our observation point.

-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; heard a real racket and she was the one responsible!

-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; this was the female of a pair.

-saw this bird soaring high over a field; pulled over and got a couple of shots.

-saw this bird soaring high over a field; pulled over and got a couple of shots.

-backyard; a couple of visitors that I heard before I saw.

-backyard; one of a group in our neighborhood.

-backyard; one of the group that is in the area.

-backyard; actually saw this little guy on June 2, 2010.

-backyard full of these little devils, which we've never had before; appeared to be one singer and a lot of natterers and one hisser! These shots of the hisser, making herself bigger and fiercer; see the eye lid pulled down during one of her hissy fits! Guess she wants this house; also have found the odd dead sparrow nestling on the ground and suspect that this is also the work of these wrens.

-backyard full of these little devils, which we've never had before; appeared to be one singer and a lot of natterers and one hisser! These shots of the hisser, making herself bigger and fiercer; see the eye lid pulled down during one of her hissy fits! Guess she wants this house; also have found the odd dead sparrow nestling on the ground and suspect that this is also the work of these wrens.

-backyard; high in our huge Green Ash tree made shots difficult to get.

-backyard; high in our huge Green Ash tree made shots difficult to get.

-heard that characteristic voice, like "a robin learning to sing"! High in our huge Green Ash tree which tested my patience for getting a shot.

-heard that characteristic voice, like "a robin learning to sing"! High in our huge Green Ash tree which tested my patience for getting a shot.

-Elk Island Day Trip with "JB"; high in tree and a long way up; Amisk Wuche Trail.

-"JB" saw the downy diaappear and realized that it had gone into a nest hole, which was cut so clean that it was almost invisible.

-"JB" saw the Downy disappear and then realized that there was a nest hole; it was cut so clean that it seemed invisible.

-this shot was a long ways away, along the shore across Laurier Lake,

-ducks in a landscape; accented by the common Marsh Ragwort.

-ducks in landscape! This pond was once a part of Laurier Lake; accented by the common Marsh Ragwort

-Preliminary Turkey Vulture Day Trip with "JB" to Laurier Lake, AB; crow aborted harassment and the vulture flew to the roosting area.

- on Preliminary Turkey Vulture Day Trip with "JB", near Wainwright, AB; judging from the size of the bird (approx. 12") (distance from top of typical fence post to first wire); wider shouldered than Coopers; yellow eye; shorter tailed than a Coopers.

-Preliminary Turkey Vulture Day Trip with "JB" to Laurier Lake, AB; harassed by a crow, which allows you to see the size difference.

-on our friend's flat feeder near Devon; this shot through the kitchen window.

-on our friend's flat feeder near Devon; this shot through the dining room window; those are rain drops on this guy.

-backyard; this shot of a "wrened" House Sparrow nest; checked inside to find the main part of the nest in disarray and 4 eggs; however, these eggs could have been from a previous attempt and covered over by this newer nest.

-filling his nest box choice, with twigs for his dream lady; when she arrives though, she is very fussy and he often has to show her a few alternates; that's why he usually stuffs more than one nest with twigs!

-filling his nest box choice, with twigs for his dream lady; when she arrives though, she is very fussy and he often has to show her a few alternates; that's why he usually stuffs more than one nest with twigs! Notice the House Sparrow contruction attempts, over several years, to get into the smaller wren-sized hole!

-filling his nest box choice, with twigs for his dream lady; when she arrives though, she is very fussy and he often has to show her a few alternates; that's why he usually stuffs more than one nest with twigs! -this shot of a punky hairdo!

-filling his nest box choice, with twigs for his dream lady; when she arrives though, she is very fussy and he often has to show her a few alternates; that's why he usually stuffs more than one nest with twigs!

-Almost tripped over this Urban Family; 11+1; were hatched somewhere in our neighborhood, but mom knows exactly where she is going! (down the T-lane, turn right to 76 th St, turn left and cross busy 153 Avenue and finally jump in to the Cherry Grove man-made lake (I hope!); amazes me how this female does this every year; she and her mate travel back and forth from the an adjacent residential neighborhood to the lake to get the picture by air and then translate it to ground, when the move takes place!

-at Cherry Grove man-made Lake -Lesser are Robin or blackbird body size; Greater are pigeon body size. l

-fishing and rafting; suspect a pair of breeding adults.

-fishing and rafting; suspect a pair of breeding adults.

-at Beaumaris; tern-like demeanor and voice; red legs and partial hood; eye ring less conspicuous than Franklin's.

- -Lesser are Robin or blackbird body size; Greater are pigeon body size. l

-at Beaumaris; tern-like demeanor and voice; red legs and partial hood; eye ring less conspicuous than Franklin's.

-backyard; first time seeing multiple birds with this species; in past, we only had one female; this shot through the window.

-backyard; at oilseed feeder; very skittish bird! This shot of the female.

-at Lake Beaumaris! Pretty hard to pick out across the bay.

-at Lake Beaumaris! "JB" and I did the walk; this shot of the female.

-at Lake Beaumaris! "JB" and I did the walk; this shot of the male.

-Success at Lake Beaumaris! Began our walk around the lake and it wasn't too long before "JB" spotted this male across a bay in the lake; hard to pick out from a distance, except for the white markings; the bird did however fish from a perch, with the sun behind the prey as expected and always flew low over the water when changing locations.

-Success at Lake Beaumaris! Began our walk around the lake and it wasn't too long before "JB" spotted this male across a bay in the lake; hard to pick out from a distance, except for the white markings; the bird did however fish from a perch, with the sun behind the prey as expected and always flew low over the water when changing locations.

-Cherry grove man-made lake; water looks good and is right up to the reeds! (This shot of a perfect fit; the male was the one in the close-up) Sat down for a couple of hours, waiting for that Belted Kingfisher! No luck, but judging from where I saw last year's, the bird perched with the sun behind it's prey.

-Cherry grove man-made lake; water looks good and is right up to the reeds! This shot with help from the wind and sun. of "Hoop-De-Do" :o)) Sat down for a couple of hours, waiting for that Belted Kingfisher! No luck, but judging from where I saw last year's, the bird perched with the sun behind it's prey.

-Cherry grove man-made lake; water looks good and is right up to the reeds! Two geese on raft nests.Sat down for a couple of hours, waiting for that Belted Kingfisher! No luck, but judging from where I saw last year's, the bird perched with the sun behind it's prey.

-Cherry grove man-made lake; water looks good and is right up to the reeds! This shot of "Hoop-De-Do" :o)) Sat down for a couple of hours, waiting for that Belted Kingfisher! No luck, but judging from where I saw last year's, the bird perched with the sun behind it's prey.

-Cherry grove man-made lake; water looks good and is right up to the reeds! This shot of "BIG FOOT" :o)) Sat down for a couple of hours, waiting for that Belted Kingfisher! No luck, but judging from where I saw last year's, the bird perched with the sun behind it's prey.

-backyard; on oilseed feeders; a shot of one of the males.

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; Our Region is very DRY; last fall the water was well into the Cattails! Ring-bills were posturing and carrying on.

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; the beautiful female!

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; Our Region is very DRY; last fall the water was well into the Cattails! Ring-bills were posturing and carrying on.

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; Our Region is very DRY; last fall the water was well into the Cattails! Ring-bills were posturing and carrying on.

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; "Cover Girl"

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert

-Grandin Pond, St. Albert

-heard "em" ; bolted for my camera and got 2 shots; looked to be about 500m and flying NNW over our house; note the black primaries; this was the second group, as I was unable to react fast enough on the first group; wind was significant and carried them over quickly!

-heard "em" ; bolted for my camera and got 2 shots; looked to be about 500m and flying NNW over our house; note the black primaries; this was the second group, as I was unable to react fast enough on the first group; wind was significant and carried them over quickly!

-heard "em" ; bolted for my camera and got 2 shots; looked to be about 500m and flying NNW over our house; note the black primaries; this was the second group, as I was unable to react fast enough on the first group; wind was significant and carried them over quickly!

-Poplar Lake Natural Area; pretty high up in the thermals; the obvious eye- rings are a key in identification!

-Cherry Grove man-made lake; eligible bachelor

-Cherry Grove man-made lake; "bubble bath:!

-Poplar Lake Natural Area;

-Cherry Grove man-made lake; "just trying to find out where my head goes"!

-Poplar Lake Natural Area;

-Cherry Grove man-made lake; the lady.

-neighbourly fellow, fresh out of the water!

-Cherry Grove man-made lake;

-Cherry Grove man-made lake; stirring up the prey

-Cherry Grove man-made lake; Any idea what this is? I'm trying to see fish and I can't!