68th Street Wetlands, Calgary, Alberta, August 28, 2023

Last week there was a week long fireworks competition right across the street from the Wetlands. Monday was my first opportunity to head out there to see how the birds had fared with the noise. There were pieces of exploded fireworks on the ground, so they were obviously close enough to have an impact. I was quite surprised by the quantity of birds and the variety. I did only see two juvenile Black-crowned Night Herons and no adults. There were at least five Great Blue Herons and lot of White-faced Ibis. There were also lots of Double-crested Cormorants, American White Pelicans, and shorebirds. Maybe the birds did alright with the noise. 

My favourite picture of the day was of the American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). These two were flying very close and keeping synchronized.  They are such a majestic bird when in flight. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 280mm, ISO 1250, 1/2000, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:20 am.

My second favourite picture of the day was of this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). It seemed to be sunning itself and soaking up some rays! I have never seen a Great Blue Heron do this before. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/1000, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:30 am.

A different Great Blue Heron was fishing. Its catch cannot be compared to the Merlin's catch from yesterday. Although the catch is small, I do like the reflection in the water.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 508mm, ISO 1250, 1/1250, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:45 am.

This picture shows a White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) and a Lesser Yellow-legs (Tringa flavipes). The water was quite still on Monday, so there were lots of reflections. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 490mm, ISO 1250, 1/1000, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:05 am.

The following picture, however, is the better picture of the Ibis. So many interesting colours, but so subtle.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:45 am.

This little Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) posed for the camera and though not unusual, it is a pretty shorebird.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/640, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:00 am.

And finally, this photograph of a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)was taken as I was leaving the Wetlands. The Night Herons have been perching next to the water inlet for the last few weeks. It must be a good source of food. Not exactly a picturesque setting!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/2000, f/13. Aug 28, 2023, 10:50 am.

All files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

Carburn Park, August 27, 2023

On Sunday I joined a Field Trip with Nature Calgary to Carburn Park in southeast Calgary.  This is such a busy park, but once you leave the paved paths it gets much quieter and the scenery is quite good.

iPhone 14, 6mm, ISO 50, 1/1135, f/1.5. Aug 27, 2023, 8:50 am.

My favourite picture of the day was of this American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). The yellow colour has such pop!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/16. Aug 27, 2023, 10:30 am.

While we were walking along the Bow River, this Merlin (Falco columbarius) swooped in front of us and picked off a Cedar Waxwing for its meal. The meal isn't that much smaller than the Merlin.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/2000, f/13. Aug 27, 2023, 9:35 am.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) perched on a branch just long enough to be photographed.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 749mm, ISO 1250, 1/1250, f/13. Aug 27, 2023, 11:10 am.

All files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

North Glenmore Park, August 26, 2023

Saturday was a beautiful day for a nature walk with Nature Calgary in North Glenmore Park.  Once you move away from the bike path, the ponds are quite beautiful. 

Olympus M5ii, 14-150mm, 15mm, ISO 640, 1/250, f/16. Aug 26, 2023, 11:10 am.

It seems like winter isn't that far away. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn. I am not ready for winter just yet!

Olympus M5ii, 14-150mm, 20mm, ISO 640, 1/320, f/13. Aug 26, 2023, 11:25 am.

The best bird picture of the day was of this Cooper'sHawk (Accipiter cooperii). Originally this was thought to be a Sharp-shinned Hawk, but the moderators at ebird.org corrected the species. The picture captures the hawk with a field mouse in it talons. That is quite a large prey for such a small raptor.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 571mm, ISO 1000, 1/1600, f/13. Aug 26, 2023, 10:50 am.

Also of note was this Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla). This is a new Life Bird for me (137 and counting). It is warbler season as they are gathering to migrate South. It can be hard to tell them apart.  So many yellow coloured warblers! Deep in the branches like this forces such a slow shutter speed. I wouldn't be able to hand hold this with an 800mm lens if it wasn't for the image stabilization of the Olympus OM1.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, 1/50, f/13. Aug 26, 2023, 11:20 am.

All files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

Carseland, Alberta, August 23, 2023

Another birder and I drove to Johnson Island and Carseland Weir yesterday. We were hoping for a nice drive and pleasant birding. The day started off quite misty and foggy and then cleared up to intermittent sun by the middle of the morning. I think this picture is my favourite of the day. The sun has just burned through the clouds and the Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) and American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)were taking advantage of it, sharing a log, and getting some sun.  

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 200mm, ISO 1000, 1/400, f/13. Aug 23, 2023, 10:20 am.

This picture of Johnson Island really shows off the mist and fog of the morning. The picture was taken just as we arrived and had yet to drive down into the wetlands.

Olympus M5ii, 14-150mm, 25mm, ISO 1000, 1/640, f/8. Aug 23, 2023, 8:50 am.

The day definitely improved with intermittent sun and cloud. It was a little cloudy again by this point.

Olympus M5ii, 14-150mm, 25mm, ISO 1000, 1/640, f/8. Aug 23, 2023, 11:20 am.

Early in the morning this bunny hopped on by. My granddaughter loves bunnies, so I took the picture and sent it to her. I like how the sun backlighted the blood vessels in the ear. This appears to be a Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 2000, 1/1000, f/13. Aug 23, 2023, 9:50 am.

My favourite bird photograph of the day was this picture of an Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). This is a new Life Bird for me (136 and counting). This is quite a pretty little bird. Its nest resembles a dome with a leaf cover (like an old oven). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/160, f/13. Aug 23, 2023, 9:30 am.

The size of the Ovenbird can be appreciated by comparing to the Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) in this picture. The Ovenbird does not look impressed!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/160, f/13. Aug 23, 2023, 9:30 am.

In the same bush was a female Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). This is the first female of this species that I have seen. Her colours are lovely!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 2000, 1/4000, f/13. Aug 23, 2023, 9:50 am.

The light caught this Eastern Kingbird just right and I think it is my best picture of this species. The detail in the wings and around the eyes is really good. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, 1/640, f/13. Aug 23, 2023, 10:20 am.

Another favourite picture of the day is of these Ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis). A Bald Eagle flew over the river and all the gulls took flight at the same time.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 415mm, ISO 1000, 1/1000, f/14. Aug 23, 2023, 11:20 am.

All files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

Linden, Alberta, August 20, 2023

On Sunday morning I visited Linden, Alberta for the first time this year with my camera.  My walk included all three ponds and a walk South of town along the water treatment ponds.  Linden is a pretty village and was Maria's favourite place to camp the last three years of her life. The first two pictures are of the most upstream of the three ponds. Between this pond and the next lowest pond I saw a total of eight Mule Deer; six doe, one fawn, and one buck.

iPhone 14, 6mm, ISO 50, 1/3165, f/1.5. Aug 20, 2023, 8:55 am.

iPhone 14, 6mm, ISO 50, 1/3165, f/1.5. Aug 20, 2023, 8:55 am.

The Mule Deer fawn was particularly good about standing still and watching. The ears like radar cones are amazing.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/160, f/13. Aug 20, 2023, 8:45 am.

Three separate Swainson's Hawks presented good opportunities for photographs. The first photograph was from a power pole on the walk just North of the Linden Coulee Campground. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/400, f/14. Aug 20, 2023, 9:10 am.

When I was walking by the caves just South of the visitors' lookout South of the highway, this Eastern Kingbird perched on a branch.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/250, f/16. Aug 20, 2023, 9:50 am.

The next Swainson's Hawk photographed from the top of the hill South of the road. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 697mm, ISO 1250, 1/1250, f/13. Aug 20, 2023, 10:05 am.

The last Swainson's Hawk escorted me away from the hill by its nest. As I headed South of the treatment plant, there were some cattle grazing in the same field as I was walking. Not wanting to disturb them, I turned around to walk back and saw this hawk. It amazes me that all three hawks are the same species, but look so different. This is what makes birding such an intensive hobby. There is so much to learn and so few hard and fast rules. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 554mm, ISO 1250, 1/1000, f/13. Aug 20, 2023, 10:35 am.

Linden is in cattle country. This calf was on the other side of the fence, very close to its mom. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/400, f/13. Aug 20, 2023, 10:00 am.

As I was headed back to the car and on the other side of the pond; this cat was playing with a mouse. The cat got very unhappy when the mouse quit playing. The cat eventually headed back to the pond looking for something else with which to play.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 697mm, ISO 1250, 1/500, f/13. Aug 20, 2023, 11:05 am.

Quite an assortment of animals today! One last experiment.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 200mm, ISO 1250, 1/320, f/13. Aug 20, 2023, 10:40 am.

All files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

68th Street Wetlands, Calgary, August 19, 2023

The Fireworks competition GlobalFest has been happening this week. Some of the people I have talked to in Nature Calgary have been concerned for the birds. I went out this morning to check on the Wetlands and see how the birds were doing.  I was quite surprised at the number of birds still in the area and the diversity of species. Also, the birds didn't appear to be any more wary than usual. I was very glad to see this.  This morning I identified over 20 species during my walk (about normal for me).

My favourite picture of the day is of these two non-breeding, immature American Avocets. I love the understated plumage in these young birds and their reflection in the water.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/80, f/18. Aug 19, 2023, 8:55 am.

Sparrows can be hard to identify and I will temporarily label this a Savannah Sparrow until I can find out more. It perched on the fence with the sun behind it, which adds to the difficulty in photographing it and identifying it.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/1600, f/14. Aug 19, 2023, 9:05 am.

There were at least six Great Blue Herons, and even more surprising was at least an equal number of Black-crowned Night Herons. Both Herons are shy birds and it didn't seem as if the fireworks had driven any away from the wetlands. This picture of a juvenile Night Heron was my favourite Heron picture of the day. It seemed a day for the juveniles to take the spotlight.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 588mm, ISO 1250, 1/640, f/14. Aug 19, 2023, 9:50 am.

This year was the first year that I have seen White-faced Ibis, and today I saw quite a few. At least five or six Ibis were in the Wetlands. This picture is perhaps my best as it shows the subtle colours of this species quite well.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/400, f/14. Aug 19, 2023, 9:40 am.

The final picture to share today is this one of American Pelicans. It seems like they all got the call for brunch at the same time and they put on a bit of a parade before getting down to eat. Not to be outdone, and couple of Ring-billed Gulls photobombed the event.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/14. Aug 19, 2023, 9:50 am.

All photographic files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

Frank Lake, High River, Alberta, August 16, 2023

On Wednesday I went birding with a fellow Nature Calgary member; someone young at heart but a more experienced birder.  Calgary is in a heat wave and Wednesday was not going to be quite as hot.  A better day to be out on the prairie in the sun.

It was large beak day. These birds are amazingly adapted to digging up small invertebrates deep in the mud. They would stick their beaks deep in the mud, right up to their nostrils and hunt for food - amazing. The first picture is of a Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus). These are a fairly large bird; about 29cm long (11-12in) and have a wing-span of 48cm (19in). The wing-span is almost twice the length!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/1250, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 8:55 am.

The second large beak that caught my eye was of a White Faced Ibis (Pladis chihi). The Ibis would stick its beak deep in the mud, almost up to its eyeballs. This bird is even larger, about 60cm long (23.5in) and with a wing span of 94cm (37in). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 9:30 am.

The final bird that  is part of Large Beak Day is this Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus).  This bird is larger than the Dowitcher. It is about 58cm long (23in) and has a wing-span of 89cm (35in). We saw 18 of these foraging in the red coloured low grass. These are an uncommon bird to see and a new life bird for me (131 species and counting). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 800, 1/500, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 10:25 am.

The Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) has a more moderate beak. Here it is seen with a White-faced Ibis, so a size comparison can be visually made. The Stilt is about 36cm long (14in) and has a wing-span of 74cm (29in). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 9:25 am.

The next picture is of the Black-necked Stilt by itself. These are such a pretty bird and very delicate. They remind me of ballet dancers.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/1600, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 8:50 am.

We saw lots of other birds (36 species), but this young Pied-billed Grebe caught my eye. I love these little diving birds. They can hold water in their wings and change their height in the water; you can see the whole bird, or sometimes just their heads. They are the smallest of the Grebes; about 33cm long (13in) and with a wing-span of 41cm (16in). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/1000, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 10:05 am.

This Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) is a tiny little shorebird. It is about 15cm long (6in) with a wing-span of 33cm (13in). This was another life bird for me as well.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 800, 1/320, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 10:40 am.

It was a very good day birding, and even this little sparrow was skipping along a wire. Sparrows are tough to identify, but this area is a breeding ground for Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) and this one looks like the pictures. We were at the North parking lot for Frank Lake at this point. This species is about 14cm long (5.5in) with a wing-span of 22cm (8.75in).  

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 11:00 am.

I forgot to take a scenic shot for this area and didn't really get a flower shot, so I will end with a couple of insects. This is a Checkered White butterfly (Pontia protodice); also called the southern cabbage butterfly. It wasn't in my garden, so it was okay.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 508mm, ISO 800, 1/400, f/14. Aug 16, 2023, 10:55 am.

The amount of pollen on this Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) caught my attention. The big birding system I have does pretty well with macro photography. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 629mm, ISO 800, 1/1250, f/13. Aug 16, 2023, 10:40 am.

All photographic files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.

LaFarge Meadows, Calgary, August 14, 2023

Monday at LaFarge Meadows (Wolf Willow entrance) was beautiful and a great day for a field trip with Nature Calgary. The sky was clear with just the right amount of cloud.   This picture is from the entrance to the walking path.

iPhone 14, 5.7mm, ISO 50, f/1.5, 1/5076, August 14, 2023, 9:00am.

When we got to the river a Bald Eagle was spotted quite a distance down river. We also saw at least three Osprey cycling between the nest, the trees, and fishing on the river.  Nothing says you are serious like bringing sushi to your date; especially if the sushi is fresh!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/3200, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 10:20 am.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/3200, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 10:20 am.

We didn't see many American pelicans on the river, but we had a flight of pelicans come right over us on our walk. These were in a formation of which the Canadian Forces Snowbirds would be proud. Very majestic! 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 200mm, ISO 1250, 1/500, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 10:30 am.

One of our group demonstrated incredibly sharp eyes and found this Wilson's Snipe on the bank of a small pond. This is a terrific sighting - the first of the year for most of us. These birds are so small, and so well camouflaged that they are very hard to see. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 749mm, ISO 1250, 1/400, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 11:00 am.

If you looked away it was very hard to find the Snipe again. This one stuck around for some pictures.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/800, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 10:55 am.

One of my favourite shots of the day was of this Greater Yellowlegs. What I really like is that the bird is lit from the back and you don't see its reflection, you see its shadow. Kind of neat!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 615mm, ISO 1250, 1/640, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 11:10 am.

As we headed back toward the parking area, a Ruddy Duck hen and her chicks brought some cuteness to the day. Ruddy Duck Ducklings are just the best!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/320, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 11:20 am.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, 1/640, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 11:20 am.

On the same pond we watched a Red-necked Grebe build up speed to take flight. Apparently their legs are so far back that they cannot get airborne from land so must flap their wings and run on the surface to get enough speed for flight. This one only ran far enough to get away from us and then settled down. The running makes the most interesting pattering sound. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 737mm, ISO 1250, 1/1250, f/13. Aug 14, 2023, 11:30 am.

All photographic files post-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2023.