Invasion of the Midges!

Yesterday afternoon, 3 May 2015, I met up with a group of birding friends in South Glenmore Park. We walked east towards the "point" and beyond. As you can see in this photo, the air close to the Reservoir was thick with Midges! Thank goodness they weren't Mosquitoes! These insects are a staple in the diet of fish (Trout) at all stages - also for the Swallows in the area.

Not a huge number of birds and most were the far side or in the centre of the Glenmore Reservoir. However, 25 species were seen - will add the list compiled by leaders, Janet and Bernie, posted mainly to help my own memory:

1. Common Loon - 1 heard
2. Horned Grebe - 40+
3. Red-necked Grebe - 40+
4. Western Grebe - 60+
5. Canada Goose - 4
6. Mallard - 12
7. American Wigeon - 10
8. Lesser Scaup - 2
9. Common Goldeneye - 35
10. Bufflehead - 32
11. Swainson's Hawk - 2
12. American Coot - 2
13. Bonaparte's Gull - 3
14. Franklin's Gull - 35+
15. California Gull - 12
16. Northern Flicker - 1
17. Black-billed Magpie - 5
18. American Crow - 15
19. Common Raven - 8 + 2 young in nest
20. Tree Swallow - 2
21. Rough-winged Swallow - 2
22. Black-capped Chickadee - 2
23. American Robin - 6
24. Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 Myrtle
25. House Sparrow - 2+

Five of us went to the Good Earth cafe after the walk and, as always, coffee and a chat were most enjoyable. Thanks for the good walk, Janet and Bernie!