California Gull
One of hundreds of California Gulls in Calgary on Tuesday. We saw these, a Glaucous Gull, a male Eurasian Wigeon and a supremely early Black-crowned Night-Heron at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary along with Herring Gulls, Wood Ducks and others.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
I was especially lucky to find this little one amongst the recent migrants in Canmore – a Northern Saw-whet Owl! The bird was well hidden in a tangle of branches and twigs indeed, it was so well hidden that I had to lie down on my belly and shot upwards to get even this partially obscured photo.
Common Redpoll
There are only two or three consistent flocks of Redpolls in Canmore right now. Here’s one from Policeman’s Creek.
Not much to photograph recently! Here’s on of our ever-present Black-capped Chickadees from Policeman’s Creek.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose in the sun at Carburn Park in Calgary. My first trip there this year, I saw over 200, and the second, just the one!
Snow Buntings
Snow Buntings are true masters of camouflage – their patterned plumage fits in with the snow, the dead grass and rocks with which they surround themselves. There are six in the above photo, part of a flock of 500 odd I found this morning. And, just for reference, here is the original shot, at full zoom on my camera:
Can you find the cropped section?
Mallard Hen
With both the kids (Dec. 9th) and the adult (Dec. 16th) Christmas Bird Counts fast approaching, I chose this Mallard hen from the 2016 Bird Count as this week’s Feathers on Friday. Let me know if you are in Canmore and want to come to either!