Kinniburgh Pond, April 11, 2024

Today I had lab tests booked in east Chestermere, so I walked Kinniburgh Pond. I wanted to check out the Purple Martin bird house on the pond. It is a fabulous condominium of apartment bird houses that can be raised and lowered for cleaning in the fall. It also has "doors" so that the condos can be closed in the winter so that they aren't taken over by House Sparrows. Last year I saw Martins there, but I didn't have my camera.  Today there were no Martins - it is a little early. The pond is also still frozen over, so there wasn't much in the way of ducks. There were just two Mallards.  There were however dozens of House Sparrows and a few House Finches. The male House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) in the first pictures was very fluffed up.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 749mm, ISO 2500, f/16, 1/1250. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 456mm, ISO 1600, f/16, 1/1250. 

There were a couple of American Robins (Turdus migratorius) and their colours are still brilliant.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 280mm, ISO 4000, f/16, 1/1250. 

I was able to take a picture of this Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) just as the landing gear were coming up.

 Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 554mm, ISO 1600, f/16, 1/1250. 

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, April 07, 2024

On Sunday I went for a walk at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - it was time to get outside. Most of the snow and ice was gone from the trails, and it was a beautiful morning. For quite some time I had been watching Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) males arch their necks backward as part of the mating dance. I had also heard that they "kick up their heels" as well, but had never seen it. On Sunday I was lucky enough to see both.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 8000, f/14, 1/1250. 

 Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 6400, f/14, 1/1250. 

It is always wonderful to see the Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) in the lagoon. There were also some females in the trees, looking for suitable nesting hollows in the trees. I liked this picture of a breeding pair.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 615mm, ISO 2500, f/14, 1/1250.

When walking along the exit path, another birder held a hand out, and this Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) landed on his hand.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 629mm, ISO 1600, f/14, 1/640.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 629mm, ISO 1600, f/14, 1/640.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

 

Carburn Park, April 1, 2024

On Monday I went for a walk around Carburn Park and South to the bridge. There were a lot of birders out that day as Mountain and Western Bluebirds had been spotted in the area. I didn't see any bluebirds, but some Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) made up for the absence. If your favourite colour is orange, these are a good bird for you.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 6400, f/13, 1/400. 

 Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 2500, f/14, 1/640. 

The gulls are starting to return to Calgary, and the California Gulls (Larus californicus) are in abundance.  

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 415mm, ISO 500, f/13, 1/800. 

The sunlight was quite strong, and it made the head of the drake Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) sparkle.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 500, f/13, 1/400. 

Five Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) flew along the Bow River as we headed North on the river path.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 710mm, ISO 1000, f/13, 1/1000.  

Just across the river a bachelor Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) got too close to the nest. There was quite a battle before the bachelor was driven off.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 1600, f/14, 1/1600. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 250, f/14, 1/250. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 2000, f/14, 1/1600. 

To end the walk with a treat, these Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) were spotted on the river. Such a handsome duck.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 400, f/20, 1/250. 

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

Firsts

Today is one year of one day at a time without Maria. To celebrate our life together, I started the day by making her favourite bread. Later this morning I will have breakfast with our daughter and family and we will be thinking and talking about Maria. Later today I will sit with my journals, turn the pages and remember adventures of our life together. The old pictures on my computer will remind me of memories that have slipped my recall. Such rich memories, such a rich time together!

This has been a year of firsts. First meal alone, first night alone, first morning alone, first day alone, first week, month, anniversary, birthday; first haircut by someone who doesn't love me (at least I don't think he did). First Canada Day, first visit with the grandchildren, first trip to Linden without you (for your Celebration of Life on day 99). 

First meal by myself, first financial decision all on my own, first trip to Women in Need Society (so, so many shoes). First Sunday morning pancakes without you (day 270- almost 9 months). First family picture without you. First time I turned on the TV without you by my side to hold my hand (day 291). 

First outstanding picture that I couldn't share with you. Sometimes everything comes together and a picture is just outstanding. Who else could I want to share it with but you. I miss you sweetheart!

The first pictures from Linden (day 142): of mule deer, of fawns, of birds, and I couldn't show them to you in our RV. I miss putting a smile on your face. I miss that a lot!

First time someone rode in the passenger seat of the car and it wasn't you (day 138). I so wished it was you so that I could reach out and hold your hand. Some firsts are harder than others.

First time celebrating your birthday without you here. I spent most of the day out of the house. You were deeply missed that day. First October 10th without you - the 31st anniversary of our first date. 

First time I listed an Emergency Contact on a healthcare form and I couldn't put down your name and phone number (day 203). This type of thing just sneaks up on me and touches my heart and head. Phew! Luckily it was at our pharmacy, so the pharmacist and I had a good talk about things. I am lucky to have such good support. 

The first time that I planted winter tulips without you (day 210). In January I brought the planters in one at a time. Each time one came up I thought of you and when they bloomed I took pictures and shared the pictures on this blog. The first Halloween. You would have loved seeing all the pretty princesses and tiny superheroes.

The first time I put up the Christmas tree without you. I found the new ornaments that you had hidden as a Christmas surprise (a cardinal and a tanager). They were a very emotional find! The first Jacquie Lawson Christmas card I received. You were the first of our family and friends to use that service, and it was an emotional tug to get that first ecard. 

The first Valentine's Day. I thought about you all day, and took pictures of our tulips. Some days trigger stronger memories than others. I found on this day, that most of my memories brought a smile to my face. The first time I made your favourite bread (whole wheat with sunflower and pumpkin seeds); day 342. For months you couldn't eat fibre, so I was making whole wheat for you. The house smelled wonderful, you would have loved it.

This is your candle. The first time I lit it was when they were cremating your body. I sat there, stared at the flames and thought about what I had lost. Then I lit it at day 90, day 180, day 270, and then finally today at one year. After the first time of lighting, I was better able to think about what a special relationship we have, how thankful I am for the memories and our time together, and how grateful I am. You are my angel, sweetie!

When it is my turn to cross over to your new realm of existence, the first feeling I hope to have is how much I am loved by you, and the first thought I wish to express is how much I love you and am looking forward to spending all our moments together.

I am a man of hope. 

To interstitial space and beyond!!!

Love you sweetie, first and forever!

When I think of you,

My heart fills with love.

When I think of you,

I feel you by my side!

 

Glennfield, March 22, 2024

On Friday, March 22nd, 2024 I joined Nature Calgary on a field trip at the Glennfield Day Use Area in Fish Creek Provincial Park.  The day was quite a contrast to my Monday walk at Old Refinery Park. It was a bit chilly and was snowing. No blue skies on this walk! The light was flat and made for quite a magical morning. This old cottonwood tree caught my eye. I thought the lighting really worked with a black and white picture.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 200mm, ISO 4000, f/11, 1/2500. 

As I didn't have my landscape camera with me, I used my phone for the next shot. 

Apple iPhone 14, 6mm, ISO 50, f/1.5, 1/4444.

We saw quite a few birds. This White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) was shaking the now off its feathers. It then perched on the branch for a better picture. On this trip I was experimenting with a fixed aperture and speed and allowing the ISO to float. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 585mm, ISO 16000, f/13, 1/2500.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 772mm, ISO 16000, f/13, 1/2500.

This picture of a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) shows the snow falling. Both the nuthatches produce a lot of sound for such small birds.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 585mm, ISO 8000, f/13, 1/2500.

Someone had left seeds in the snow and I was able to photograph this Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) as it few of with a seed in its beak. I wanted a fixed shutters peed to help photograph the birds in flight, and it worked for this picture. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 200mm, ISO 3200, f/11, 1/2500.

Compared to the Monday pictures, this Red-shafted Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) isn't quite a bright.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 400mm, ISO 16000, f/12, 1/2500.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

Old Refinery Park, March 18, 2024

On Monday I headed out for a walk as the weather was about to turn, and Monday was going to be the last warm, sunny day for a while. Old Refinery Park is on the east side of the Bow River, by the Calf Robe Bridge. 

 Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 437mm, ISO 1250, f/14, 1/800.

The sun was brilliant that day, and the birds were pairing off.  They had all their brilliant colours on display to attract a mate and were very vocal. This American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was the first robin of the year that I was able to photograph.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 737mm, ISO 4000, f/13, 1/6400.

The colours of the Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) were particularly prominent and they were making a lot of noise.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 4000, f/13, 1/1250.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 4000, f/13, 1/1250.

When the light hit the European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), their feathers lit up.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 415mm, ISO 4000, f/12, 1/6400.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 4000, f/13, 1/4000.

Even the Common Ravens (Corvus corax) were getting into the act of pairing up. So many calls and songs!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 723mm, ISO 1600, f/13, 1/200.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

Carburn Park, Calgary: March 15, 2024

On Friday I joined eleven other birders for a morning at Carburn Park in SE Calgary, Alberta. This was a Nature Calgary field trip with one of my favourite leaders. It is wonderful that such knowledgeable leaders volunteer their expertise.  For most of the walk, we were right along the Bow River.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 508mm, ISO 200, f/12, 1/125.

We saw four White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and they are starting to lose their gloss.  In the Spring they shed their winter hair and they can look really scruffy.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 371mm, ISO 5000, f/13, 1/200.

For the first time this year, I saw some gulls.  These were Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) and are a sure sign that the birds are migrating back.  Spring is coming!

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 5000, f/13, 1/1250.

We saw at least two Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) on the river. As this one was landing on its perch, it got photo-bombed by a Magpie.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 539mm, ISO 1250, f/16, 1/1600.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 800mm, ISO 1250, f/14, 1/2000.

As our day was ending this House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) posed and sang to us. It just doesn't realize that it is an invasive species.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + M20, 415mm, ISO 1250, f/14, 1/320.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024