Hawks, April 26, 2024

On Friday there was a Nature Calgary field trip to Frank Lake, east of High River.  Frank Lake is a wonderful place for shorebirds. With a couple of other birding friends, I drove the back roads in the area and we saw this Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) perched on a fence post. This is a very regal looking hawk (thus the Latin name). 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, f/13, 1/640.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, f/13, 1/640.

Quite close to Frank Lake we also saw a Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) in the trees by the side of the road. This hawk is in the same genus as the Ferruginous hawk.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, f/13, 1/640.

We didn't, however, go to Frank Lake to see raptors and there were lots of shorebirds. This Willet (Tringa semipalmata) flew over us and then landed next to the water.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 1000, f/13, 1/320.

The best part of the morning for me was the sound of all the Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) as we explored the area.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 3200, f/13, 1/2500.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

Teal Day, April 24, 2024

On Wednesday I went for a solo walk at the 68th Street Wetlands in SE Calgary by Stoney Trail and 17th Ave.  I was lucky to see three different species of teals, all on the same small pond. A favourite for many people is the Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera), and this one posed in the grass quite close to me. 

 Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 2500, f/16, 1/500.

The Green-winged (Anas crecca) teal was a little further away. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 640, f/13, 1/500.

The Blue-winged (Spatula discors) teal was the last of the species. In the background is an American Avocet. The Blue-winged teals are more common, but is unusual for me to see all three species on the same day.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 400, f/13, 1/500.

Also on Wednesday I was lucky enough to have musical accompaniment by two Coyotes (Canis latrans).

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 4000, f/13, 1/1000.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 800mm, ISO 400, f/13, 1/1000.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, April 13 & 15, 2024

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

Frank Lake, April 12, 2024

On Friday, April 12, 2024 I joined a field trip with Nature Calgary to Frank Lake, east of High River on Highway 23.  It was a beautiful day and an excellent group of birders to join with on the walk. 

Olympus E-M5 MarkII, 14-42mm, 42mm, ISO 250, f/9, 1/500. 

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm plus MC20, 200mm, ISO 800, f/13, 1/1250.

There have not been may shore birds in Calgary yet this year, but on this trip we saw one Black-necked Stilt (flying overhead) and 12 American Avocets which flew over and then landed on the water. The American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) are quite colourful.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 656mm, ISO 2000, f/13, 1/1600.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, f/18, 1/1000.

We never saw the Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) land, but I was able to take a picture while it was in flight.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 710mm, ISO 400, f/13, 1/1000.

We saw quite a few Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) , both flying overhead and on the water.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 1250, f/13, 1/1250.

A Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) was sitting on its nest and quietly observing us from a small island a few meters from the shore.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 4000, f/13, 1/1600.

We have seen a small number of Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) over the last few days, but we saw more of them at Frank Lake.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 2500, f/18, 1/1600.

American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) seem to land with little regard for what is on the water.  This Pelican almost landed on the gulls.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 340mm, ISO 2500, f/16, 1/1250.

The Canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) were a long way from shore and they were quite hard to pick out. There were two telescopes in the group, so others identified them. Eventually a small group flew over and that helped confirm the species. They were back lit by the sun, so the colours are not sharp.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 772mm, ISO 500, f/13, 1/1250.

There were lots of Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) on the water, but they were a ways away. When I was driving on Highway 23 on the way home, I spotted some closer to the shore and stopped to take a picture.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 800, f/13, 1/1250.

Directly across from the Pintails was a farm cat (Felis catus) out hunting in the field.

Olympus OM-1, 100-400mm + MC20, 800mm, ISO 2500, f/13, 1/1250.

All pictures photo-edited with On1 Photo Raw 2024

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