On Saturday I participated in a field trip with Nature Calgary at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. I followed it up with a walk by myself on Monday. All the snow and ice were off the paths, so the walks were enjoyable - no spikes on shoes. I had heard that the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) were back on the Bow River, so we were primed to look for one at the Sanctuary. We were still in the shadow of the visitors' centre on Monday when we saw one. Perching on a cell tower isn't the most natural setting, but it was good to see the osprey.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, f/13, 1/2000.
While walking by the Colonel Walker house, a Coyote (Canis latrans) stood on a berm and watched us. It was losing its winter fur and was a bit scruffy.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 10000, f/13, 1/2000.
The Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) seem to be coming back to the lagoon in abundance. You know you are spoiled when you don't get excited about taking their picture. There are so photogenic and when the sun hits them, it is hard to resist.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, f/13, 1/500.
During the early part of the morning this duck was backlit by the sunshine as it bathed. It seemed to be really enjoying its bath and there were water droplets everywhere.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 800, f/13, 1/2000.
This Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) was perched on the bridge, close to where its mate was in a nest (at the top of a broken off snag). It would hiss at people sneaking by on the bridge, but it would not leave its protective spot.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, f/13, 1/250.
On Monday I spotted this female Wood Duck high in the trees looking for a suitable cavity in which to nest. At least this close to the lagoon the ducklings will not have far to travel after leaping out of their nests.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 490mm, ISO 10000, f/12, 1/2000.
Following up on common birds that sparkle in the sunshine, this Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) checked me out as I took its picture.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, f/13, 1/320.
A female Red-shafted Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) had found an ideal nest and was waiting for its mate to return.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 2000, f/13, 1/200.
Only a few of the song birds have returned, so this House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) still has the prettiest song in the Sanctuary.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 3200, f/16, 1/250.
When walking along the Bow River on the East side of the park, I spotted this coyote. It has different facial markings than the one I saw on Saturday, so maybe there will be pups in May or June.
Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1600, f/13, 1/500.
All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024
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