-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!
Common Grackles
Monday August 23, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
-returned to backyard; basically here for food (oilseeds on the ground) and on flat feeder (mixed seed); a few sampled the bird baths but generally no interest in exploring the backyard pond, fish and waterfall; my count could be low because of heavy tree cover.
-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.
-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; 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.
-"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..
-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.
- 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.
American Crows
Wednesday July 14, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
-adjacent schoolground; usual flock dining on insects after recent heavy rains.
-backyard; if we see the grosbeaks, it is usually the females; this guy was on the same oilseed feeder that they frequent; super wary specimen with gorgeous coloring!
-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.
-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!
House Finches
Tuesday July 6, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
-playing "Recovery Assist Agent" again! HA! Finches are here every day and everywhere; one younger bird hit the kitchen window with a BIG thump; thought the worst of course and went out to investigate; couldn't locate, until I found huddled under the door, with eyes open, but a little heavy; allowed me to pick up and then transfer to our trusty "hangover" bird cage; initially wasn't interested in moving around, but after about 1 hour, was steady on the top perch and anxious to depart; held the cage with door open inside a Choke Cherry tree and the patient hopped higher from branch to branch. Appears to be a success story! :o))
Tree Swallows
Tuesday July 6, 2010
near Lancaster Park, 01
-took a quick run by Poplar Lake Natural area; skimming over the water and along the shores.
-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.
-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.
Merlin
Tuesday June 29, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
-heard a kerfuffle, low in the birch and saw some wings flapping, just over the fence; ran into the house at super speed to retrieve my camera and met a guilty looking dog just returning from the action; photographers "helper". HA!
American Crows
Sunday June 27, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
-really was a "mustering" of crows; this seems to be a common activity for these guys; they were not gathering for any other reason than to "yak" and some of the boys would show the others how skilled they were at aerial maneuvers by chasing one another and then coming back to the the lone mature poplar.
House Finches
Saturday June 26, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
everywhere and one, where it's not supposed to be! (a window); a young one, quite dazed, which I gently picked up and relegated to my trusty small decorative bird cage, until it brightened up a little; seemed perky enough but hadn't moved from the trellis where it landed, for about 2 hours; finally turned around and began deciding where to fly to and off it flew.
-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; the same bird who started out on the ground, tending to a piece of fish when we happened along.
-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.
- 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.
-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!
-backyard; heard the "water drip" in a pond sound again; just single notes and you have to listen carefully, to separate it from the surrounding noises; pretty dusky, so didn't see the bird.
House Wren
Monday May 24, 2010
near North Edmonton, 01
-backyard; heard him yesterday and today; finally got a peek at him as he was visiting all the House Sparrow nests; these little rascals are pretty territorial and can do a little damage, if nests are not tended to; the male quite often fills up a few nest boxes with twigs and tries to sell his mate on one of them; his song, though repetitive, is one of the most beautiful Spring sounds.
-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!
-backyard; "Mouse Hunter" was after mice today, although I didn't see a catch; when mice reach their "safety distance" from the hole, the magpie will dive and attempt a catch.
-backyard; first sighting; doin' the two step in the flower beds (re-arranging remnants of last years leaves, to expose any insects); actually saw a bright white crown stripe moving back and forth amongst the foliage, before I realized it was a bird! HA!
-backyard; singing from the top of our tallest tree; no foliage yet on the Green Ash, but the seed "balls" are swelling, making it very difficult to find this little guy! ID was made from the sound clip on the Cornell site, with a little bit of help from a "belly" shot.
-backyard; "wetland touch" to an urban environment, complete with sound; perhaps heard the waterfall and then decided to sample the oilseed and flat feeder offerings.:o))
-adjacent school yard; this gal sat in a tree watching me pick up litter amongst the rose shrubs in a school sitting area; offered much advice! Of course I didn't have my camera! @*
-making up for lost time and building up that fat reserve (oilseeds) for another cold night; a female was on her back looking a little dazed ( suspect a window), so took her inside for the night; have a small cage on hand for these cases.
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; although "just sparrows", they too, need to survive and also provide the major food source for the avian predators in the area; had to individually pick out snow that was driven into feeding holes on the north and west sides of all feeders;
-backyard; circling low over the garage, where the Purple Martin House is suspended on a steel pole; they usually give it a fly-by every "spring". I worry about the low temperatures at night that we are having; Purple Martins are another species that are vulnerable to cold evenings and will pack as many as 7 birds into nests to create warmth!
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; had to individually pick out snow that was driven into feeding holes on the north and west sides of all feeders;
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; this guy knows where the nut feeder is; had to individually pick out snow that was driven into feeding holes on the north and west sides of all feeders;
-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.
-adjacent property and park area; I was dog walking and heard a Mallard, which wasn't unusual, as a pair settle down in the park sometime on most days; HOWEVER, this one was a crow, with a perfect imitation! HA!
-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!
Most recent activity
All sightings >>
-backyard; and they are not very skittish towards regular visitors to our backyard. (us and dogs)
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Cooper's Hawks
-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!
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 fall adult, one of the 150 gulls that were feeding on insects in the air with the 5 nighthawks.
Cooper's Hawks
-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!
Common 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 the 5 nighthawks that were feeding on insects in the air with about 150 Franklin's Gulls.
Common 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 the 5 nighthawks that were feeding on insects in the air with about 150 Franklin's Gulls.
Common 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 the 5 nighthawks that were feeding on insects in the air with about 150 Franklin's Gulls.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Turkey Vultures
-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!
-returned to backyard; basically here for food (oilseeds on the ground) and on flat feeder (mixed seed); a few sampled the bird baths but generally no interest in exploring the backyard pond, fish and waterfall; my count could be low because of heavy tree cover.
-anting, in adjacent schoolyard.
-backyard; usual two; on nut and flat feeders.
-backyard; usual neighborhood flock on oilseed, nut and flat feeders.
-anting in adjacent schoolyard, with Ring-bills.
-backyard; usual neighborhood flock on oilseed and feeders.
Blue Jays
-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.
Common Grackles
-backyard and adjacent property; this shot was back-lit.
Common Grackles
-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.
Common Grackles
-backyard and adjacent property.
Common Grackles
-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.
Merlins
-notice how similar the arial shape is to the Kestrel.
American 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.
Common Goldeneyes
-"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..
Merlins
-neighborhood family fly around; lucked out with this shot of male and female, showing reverse sexual size dimorphism, that is common in accipitrids.
Merlins
-neighborhood family fly around; action shots of female.
Merlins
-neighborhood family fly around; action shots of female.
Merlins
-neighborhood family fly around; action shots of female.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
Merlins
-neighborhood family; young one is still being fed in ths tree; "Mom, you've sure got the moves!"
Merlins
-neighborhood family; young one is still being fed in ths tree; Mom on the right.
Merlins
-neighborhood family; this young one is still being fed in this tree.
Merlins
-neighborhood family; this young one is still being fed in this tree.
American White Pelicans
- 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.
American White Pelicans
- 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.
American White Pelicans
- 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.
American White Pelicans
- 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.
American White Pelicans
- 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.
-adjacent schoolground; usual flock dining on insects after recent heavy rains.
-adjacent schoolground; usual flock dining on insects after recent heavy rains.
-backyard; usual flock dining on oilseeds and nuts.
-backyard; usual flock dining on oilseeds and nuts.
-backyard; if we see the grosbeaks, it is usually the females; this guy was on the same oilseed feeder that they frequent; super wary specimen with gorgeous coloring!
Yellow Warbler
-was in to this general location for about 30 seconds and only appeared once for a shot!
Cedar Waxwings
-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.
Mallards
-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!
American Avocets
-this pair on the other side; one insistent on contorting to get the preening done! (the female? HA!)
Franklin's Gulls
-this group of four with one, I believe, in First Cycle plumage;
Common Ravens
-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!
-playing "Recovery Assist Agent" again! HA! Finches are here every day and everywhere; one younger bird hit the kitchen window with a BIG thump; thought the worst of course and went out to investigate; couldn't locate, until I found huddled under the door, with eyes open, but a little heavy; allowed me to pick up and then transfer to our trusty "hangover" bird cage; initially wasn't interested in moving around, but after about 1 hour, was steady on the top perch and anxious to depart; held the cage with door open inside a Choke Cherry tree and the patient hopped higher from branch to branch. Appears to be a success story! :o))
-took a quick run by Poplar Lake Natural area; skimming over the water and along the shores.
-took a quick run by Poplar Lake Natural area.
-took a quick run to Poplar Lake Natural Area. Young ones out taking swimming and dabbling lessons.
Franklin's Gulls
-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.
Killdeer
-took a quick run by Poplar Lake Natural Area and took a long shot of this individual
Mallards
-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.
Horned Grebes
-dropped by Grandin Pond in St.Albert, where I saw the Wood Duck last year; Horned Grebes of mixed age and plumage.
Horned Grebes
-dropped by Grandin Pond in St.Albert, where I saw the Wood Duck last year; Horned Grebes of mixed age and plumage.
Mallards
-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.
Mallards
-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.
Mallard
-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.
-heard a kerfuffle, low in the birch and saw some wings flapping, just over the fence; ran into the house at super speed to retrieve my camera and met a guilty looking dog just returning from the action; photographers "helper". HA!
-really was a "mustering" of crows; this seems to be a common activity for these guys; they were not gathering for any other reason than to "yak" and some of the boys would show the others how skilled they were at aerial maneuvers by chasing one another and then coming back to the the lone mature poplar.
everywhere and one, where it's not supposed to be! (a window); a young one, quite dazed, which I gently picked up and relegated to my trusty small decorative bird cage, until it brightened up a little; seemed perky enough but hadn't moved from the trellis where it landed, for about 2 hours; finally turned around and began deciding where to fly to and off it flew.
American Crows
-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.
Ospreys
-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.
Turkey Vultures
-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; one of the group of fifteen.
Turkey Vultures
-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.
American White Pelicans
-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of our Turkey Vulture Project; this was one of seven, that flew over our observation point.
Common Goldeneye
-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; heard a real racket and she was the one responsible!
Ospreys
-JB & I visited Moose Lake as a part of out Turkey Vulture Project; this was the female of a pair.
Swainson's Hawks
-saw this bird soaring high over a field; pulled over and got a couple of shots.
Swainson's Hawk
-saw this bird soaring high over a field; pulled over and got a couple of shots.
Pine Siskins
-backyard; a couple of visitors that I heard before I saw.
Cedar Waxwings
-backyard; one of a group in our neighborhood.
Cedar Waxwing
-backyard; one of the group that is in the area.
Chipping Sparrow
-backyard; actually saw this little guy on June 2, 2010.
House 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.
House 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.
Red-eyed Vireos
-backyard; high in our huge Green Ash tree made shots difficult to get.
Red-eyed Vireos
-backyard; high in our huge Green Ash tree made shots difficult to get.
Red-eyed Vireos
-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.
Red-eyed Vireo
-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.
Western Tanager
-Elk Island Day Trip with "JB"; high in tree and a long way up; Amisk Wuche Trail.
Downy Woodpeckers
-"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.
Downy Woodpeckers
-"JB" saw the Downy disappear and then realized that there was a nest hole; it was cut so clean that it seemed invisible.
American White Pelicans
-this shot was a long ways away, along the shore across Laurier Lake,
Mallards
-ducks in a landscape; accented by the common Marsh Ragwort.
-active with nests or young nearby.
Mallards
-ducks in landscape! This pond was once a part of Laurier Lake; accented by the common Marsh Ragwort
Turkey Vulture
-Preliminary Turkey Vulture Day Trip with "JB" to Laurier Lake, AB; crow aborted harassment and the vulture flew to the roosting area.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
- 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.
Turkey Vulture
-Preliminary Turkey Vulture Day Trip with "JB" to Laurier Lake, AB; harassed by a crow, which allows you to see the size difference.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
-on our friend's flat feeder near Devon; this shot through the kitchen window.
Brown-headed Cowbirds
-on our friend's flat feeder near Devon; this shot through the dining room window; those are rain drops on this guy.
House Wrens
-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.
House Wren
-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!
House Wrens
-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!
House Wrens
-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!
House Wrens
-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!
-backyard; heard the "water drip" in a pond sound again; just single notes and you have to listen carefully, to separate it from the surrounding noises; pretty dusky, so didn't see the bird.
-backyard; heard him yesterday and today; finally got a peek at him as he was visiting all the House Sparrow nests; these little rascals are pretty territorial and can do a little damage, if nests are not tended to; the male quite often fills up a few nest boxes with twigs and tries to sell his mate on one of them; his song, though repetitive, is one of the most beautiful Spring sounds.
-on regular bird seed feeder; had heard "buzzing" and knew the bird was around.
Mallards
-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!
-backyard; heard before I saw; the call sounds like a drop of liquid "hwoit" (Kaufman, Field Guide to Birds of North America, 2000)
-backyard; same guy, same song; very difficult to spot , high in the Green Ash tree, although it will be worse when the leaves are out!
-front yard; male sitting in a willow and singing; heard in other locations at different times, but not sure if they were different individuals.
-backyard; "Mouse Hunter" was after mice today, although I didn't see a catch; when mice reach their "safety distance" from the hole, the magpie will dive and attempt a catch.
-backyard; first sighting; doin' the two step in the flower beds (re-arranging remnants of last years leaves, to expose any insects); actually saw a bright white crown stripe moving back and forth amongst the foliage, before I realized it was a bird! HA!
-backyard; singing from the top of our tallest tree; no foliage yet on the Green Ash, but the seed "balls" are swelling, making it very difficult to find this little guy! ID was made from the sound clip on the Cornell site, with a little bit of help from a "belly" shot.
-backyard; "wetland touch" to an urban environment, complete with sound; perhaps heard the waterfall and then decided to sample the oilseed and flat feeder offerings.:o))
Lesser Yellowlegs
-at Cherry Grove man-made Lake -Lesser are Robin or blackbird body size; Greater are pigeon body size. l
Double-crested Cormorants
-fishing and rafting; suspect a pair of breeding adults.
Double-crested Cormorants
-fishing and rafting; suspect a pair of breeding adults.
Bonaparte's Gulls
-at Beaumaris; tern-like demeanor and voice; red legs and partial hood; eye ring less conspicuous than Franklin's.
Lesser Yellowlegs
- -Lesser are Robin or blackbird body size; Greater are pigeon body size. l
Bonaparte's Gulls
-at Beaumaris; tern-like demeanor and voice; red legs and partial hood; eye ring less conspicuous than Franklin's.
-adjacent school yard; this gal sat in a tree watching me pick up litter amongst the rose shrubs in a school sitting area; offered much advice! Of course I didn't have my camera! @*
Purple Finches
-backyard; first time seeing multiple birds with this species; in past, we only had one female; this shot through the window.
-making up for lost time and building up that fat reserve (oilseeds) for another cold night; a female was on her back looking a little dazed ( suspect a window), so took her inside for the night; have a small cage on hand for these cases.
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; on flat feeder.
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; "my supervisors", just over my head, while I was picking snow out of the feeder holes!
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; although "just sparrows", they too, need to survive and also provide the major food source for the avian predators in the area; had to individually pick out snow that was driven into feeding holes on the north and west sides of all feeders;
-backyard; circling low over the garage, where the Purple Martin House is suspended on a steel pole; they usually give it a fly-by every "spring". I worry about the low temperatures at night that we are having; Purple Martins are another species that are vulnerable to cold evenings and will pack as many as 7 birds into nests to create warmth!
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; had to individually pick out snow that was driven into feeding holes on the north and west sides of all feeders;
-backyard; panic feeding in preparation for another cold night; this guy knows where the nut feeder is; had to individually pick out snow that was driven into feeding holes on the north and west sides of all feeders;
-loading up our groceries and heard before I saw; they flew over towards the north east, at approx. 300 meters; about 100 in each arm of the "V".
Purple Finches
-backyard; at oilseed feeder; very skittish bird! This shot of the female.
Belted Kingfishers
-at Lake Beaumaris! Pretty hard to pick out across the bay.
Lesser Scaups
-at Lake Beaumaris! "JB" and I did the walk; this shot of the female.
Lesser Scaups
-at Lake Beaumaris! "JB" and I did the walk; this shot of the male.
Belted Kingfisher
-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.
Belted Kingfishers
-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.
Canada Geese
-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.
American Coots
-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.
Canada Geese
-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.
Ring-billed Gulls
-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.
American Coots
-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.
House Finches
-backyard; on oilseed feeders; a shot of one of the males.
-adjacent property and park area; I was dog walking and heard a Mallard, which wasn't unusual, as a pair settle down in the park sometime on most days; HOWEVER, this one was a crow, with a perfect imitation! HA!
-backyard; this lone female seems to return every year without a male; feeding on oilseeds from the same little green feeder.
Ring-billed Gulls
-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.
Common Goldeneyes
-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; the beautiful female!
Ring-billed Gulls
-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.
Ring-billed Gulls
-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.
Mallards
-Grandin Pond, St. Albert; "Cover Girl"
American Wigeon
-Grandin Pond, St. Albert
Horned Grebe
-Grandin Pond, St. Albert
Sandhill Cranes
-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!
Sandhill Cranes
-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!
Sandhill Cranes
-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!
Franklin's Gulls
-Poplar Lake Natural Area; pretty high up in the thermals; the obvious eye- rings are a key in identification!
Poplar Lake Natural Area.
Ring-billed Gulls
-Cherry Grove man-made lake; eligible bachelor
Common Goldeneyes
-Cherry Grove man-made lake; "bubble bath:!
Red-winged Blackbirds
-Poplar Lake Natural Area;
Mallards
-Cherry Grove man-made lake; "just trying to find out where my head goes"!
Song Sparrows
-Poplar Lake Natural Area;
Common Goldeneyes
-Cherry Grove man-made lake; the lady.
Canada Geese
-neighbourly fellow, fresh out of the water!
Common Goldeneyes
-Cherry Grove man-made lake;
Ring-billed Gulls
-Cherry Grove man-made lake; stirring up the prey
Ring-billed Gulls
-Cherry Grove man-made lake; Any idea what this is? I'm trying to see fish and I can't!